Vendors tell Forks board FieldTurf can meet safety tests without pad; district to evaluate pad vs. e-layer tradeoffs

FieldTurf and associated vendors presented technical options for synthetic infields and baseball systems, emphasizing fiber durability and warranty enhancements since the district's original installation. Donnie Jones, FieldTurf regional vice president, said the firm's sole-source polymer and fiber structure allow longer life and robust GMAX performance while reducing some subbase requirements.

Vendors explained the difference between an e-layer (a paved-in-place pad) and a pad system and described use cases such as large multipurpose stadiums where an e-layer is beneficial. Board members pressed on whether the district could eliminate the e-layer to save cost and still meet GMAX safety testing; vendors said that in some cases FieldTurf's system meets testing without an e-layer, but recommended review for local site conditions. "If you're getting another year or two out of a field, it's money in your pocket," a FieldTurf representative said when describing longevity and replacement costs.

The district's project team (Jay and design consultants) said they will compare vendor proposals and consider shifting the subbase scope to the turf contractor as a cost-saving measure; staff estimated potential savings in the low hundreds of thousands if scope is shifted or alternates selected. The board did not decide vendor selection for turf at this meeting but approved awarding the site-work contract; staff will return with comparative evaluations and procurement recommendations for phase 2 turf.