Sedro-Woolley High School to replace turf field and running track

SEDRO-WOOLLEY - After 13 years of wear and tear, the synthetic turf field and running track at Sedro-Woolley High School will be replaced starting as soon as next week.

Signs on the facility's entry gates say the stadium will be closed Monday through Aug. 31 with the turf being replaced first.

"We are trying to get this project started as soon as possible," Athletic Director Kevin Owen said. "We went through the process and got school board approval and we are ready to go."

The district's maintenance crew was able to extend the life of the field and track by about three years. Now, however, both need to be replaced.

"We've overextended the lifespan of both the track and field," Owen said. "We've doubled up on the GMAX test and on the maintenance to try and make sure it stays within the levels."

A GMAX test on a turf field measures the ability of the playing surface to absorb shock from a collision, such as a player falling to the surface.

FieldTurf, the company that originally installed the 94,493 square feet of turf and resurfaced the track in 2013, will again do the work this time around.

The $1.3 million project will be covered by school district capital levy dollars.

The layout of the jumping and pole vault pits will change in order to create a more efficient use of space.

"That is really the only change we are making," Owen said.

The turf surface will be lined for football, soccer and lacrosse. The "SEDRO-WOOLLEY" end zone lettering will remain the same, while the school's cub logo will be added to the center of the field.

"Basically, all they have to do is come in and just strip that turf off, and then put that new turf down, then apply this fine, green sand and the upgraded pellets," Owen said. "That's all part of the process. Then spray on the markings and after that is complete, they'll begin to replace the track."

The track's current red surface will be replaced with a royal blue surface that will include dark grey exchange zones.

Parts of the track are in such bad shape that running lanes one and eight couldn't be used during the track and field season due to safety concerns.

The field has similar safety issues.

"Over time, those pellets and things start wearing down and it creates a not-as-level or safe surface," Owen said. "We were definitely past the life expectancy. And it's the same thing with the track."

Though upgrading facilities is expensive, Owen said the work is an investment for the athletes and the students, and the community as a whole.

"We are so appreciative that the people in the community supported the levy," he said. "I want to make sure they understand we are looking at the value that is created for everybody. People are really going to be able to see what their money goes toward and I think people like that.

"We're super excited to get this project underway. It's exciting times at Sedro-Woolley High School."

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