Turf field coming to Batavia High

There will be no more sloppy football field at Batavia High School starting this fall.

Athletic boosters, coaches, staff members, Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke and Rosemont Mayor Bradley Stephens were on hand Friday for the groundbreaking of the new turf field and track at Bulldog Stadium.

"Batavia really does have a lot to be proud of," Schielke said. "I think this program has been one that is the pride and joy of our community and certainly the enhancements that are going to be done here will enhance that."

Bulldog Athletic Boosters President Dan Hilliard presented a $200,000 check to District 101 board members and pledged an additional $300,000 over the next five years.

The new field is expected to be ready for a Sept. 16 doubleheader featuring a soccer game against Elgin and then the homecoming football game.

FieldTurf USA got the $451,818 contract in January to install the turf. Hoppy's Landscaping Inc. will be paid $967,441 to replace the track and its field-event areas, such as jump pits.