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Barrington High's stadium could get new artificial surface

Barrington High School's stadium could receive a new artificial turf surface before the 2019-20 school year at a price lower than initially projected.

The high school's current turf, installed in 2008, is nearing the end of its life, according to Barrington Area Unit District 220 officials.

The District 220 board next week is expected to vote on a proposal to install a new surface from FieldTurf USA Inc., which handled the original 11 years ago.

Board member Joseph Ruffolo, a member of the advisory facilities committee, said officials have been prepared to spend nearly $800,000 for the replacement surface. But now, with a likely credit from FieldTurf for reusing current material, the bill isn't projected to exceed $700,000.

"We got a better deal than we thought we were going to get," Ruffolo said during a facilities committee session this week.

FieldTurf was installed as part of the new Barrington Community Stadium unveiled in August 2008. Similar to that used by many other suburban schools, the playing surface includes sand and rubber particles between plastic fibers in an effort to provide players better footing and shock absorption.

The new surface would be different, said David Bein, assistant superintendent of business services. Under the plan, FieldTurf would install its multisports surface - which doesn't have the sand and rubber infill - that the company says is designed to withstand greater wear and tear.

"We think it's going to provide a real solid, very playable surface for all of our sports on our field," Bein said.

Barrington High's football, soccer and lacrosse teams are among the field's users. If the school board approves the project next week, Bein said, FieldTurf likely would complete the installation by July 12, a month before the first Broncos football practice.

District 220 Superintendent Brian Harris said the money would come from the capital projects fund.

Barrington High Athletic Director Mike Obsuszt credited Bein for diligently seeking proposals from several companies and generating enough competition to wind up with "great pricing" from FieldTurf, which edged out AstroTurf for the recommendation for the stadium work.

"I think a lot of these (turf) companies, they would love to have their name associated with Barrington (Community) Stadium," Obsuszt said. "Especially as new as the stadium is, with the scoreboard that we have there, having their turf there, I think, is a big deal."

Barrington High's stadium at the beginning of the 2018-19 school year received several upgrades, including a new main scoreboard, funded by private sponsorships totaling $650,000.

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