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Board previews Torx athletic-fields design, approves related consent items; deeper drain testing planned
Summary
Board members reviewed a near-complete permit set for the Torx athletic fields, heard that geotechnical tests fell short at 16 feet and that Associated Earth Sciences will return to drill to about 22–23 feet to reach gravel for infiltration testing; project cost estimates rose to roughly $4–4.5 million and bidding is expected in May.
The Quillayute Valley School District board reviewed a 95%-complete permit set for the Torx athletic fields and discussed next steps to confirm drainage and bidding timelines. A presenter explained that earlier infiltration borings at 16 feet produced low percolation numbers and that Associated Earth Sciences proposes deeper borings — roughly 22–23 feet — to reach gravel and produce reliable infiltration rates that will determine the required drain-field size and reduce the risk of a much larger engineered field.
"They didn't get the right numbers, and so they need to come back, dig down dig down even lower, and get down into the..." the Presenter said, describing the firm’s plan to excavate deeper so the district can base drain-field sizing on the improved infiltration test results. Staff indicated those borings are being scheduled for April, subject to coordination between project managers and the vendor.
The board also discussed other design items and constraints: the drainage plan ties an 18-inch pipe into a culvert that runs toward the district office, the proposed drain-field location is near existing playground areas, and underground electrical and new fiber will be brought from the new high school to service the fields. The presenter told the board the plan calls for artificial turf across the fields (infields and outfields) and noted procurement will use the state purchasing cooperative (KCDA) to solicit presentations from turf vendors including FieldTurf, Shaw and Hellas.
Project cost estimates have risen from early projections. "It was about 3.5," the Presenter said of the initial estimate, "but because we're having a few other things that we're trying to do at the same time... it's about the 4 4.5." Staff said some features are required by the grant and cannot be eliminated, though board members discussed potential value engineering once bids are returned. Bidding was expected to be issued in May, with construction phased across two summers and a target completion tied to grant requirements in 2028.
