A turf replacement project has commenced at Owen J. Roberts High School following a school board vote this past Monday, writes Evan Brandt for The Daily Local News.
The existing turf of three fields will be replaced this summer with a new filler material, which was decided on at the Monday meeting. The total cost will near $2.3 million, with construction beginning mid-June.
The decision comes after a half-hour Owen J. Roberts School District board deliberation around which type of filler to opt for. The board considered three options and opted for the most expensive, which will add $200,000 to the total project cost.
The new filler, called Brock Fill, consists of wood particles. The organic material will improve traction and lower the field temperature during warmer months, more so than traditional rubber and sand turf.
The current Owen J. Roberts High School turf fields are 12 years old, pushing them past the traditional 10-year expectancy for artificial turf. School board members debated the safety and effectiveness of each material as part of planning the revamp.
The renovation project will also see the replacement of the OJR track and stadium. Construction is expected to be completed by Aug. 10 in time for the 2026-2027 school year.
Read more about Owen J. Roberts High School and the campus’ upcoming turf refurbishment in The Daily Local News.
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