Turf fields set for replacement in Naperville 203
The synthetic turf surfaces in the stadiums at Naperville Central and Naperville North high schools will be refreshed this year as part of Naperville Unit District 203's annual construction program.
The fields, installed in 2009, are set to be resurfaced as part of routine maintenance for a budgeted $925,000, according to the capital improvement plan the school board approved Monday.
There are no statistics to show an increase in injuries due to the age of the 10-year-old FieldTurf surfaces, which have not been under warranty for the past two years, said Sinikka Mondini, District 203's executive director of communications. But "the product and surface has reached its life expectancy" and is set to be replaced this summer, she said.
The field work comes along with roughly $5 million of other projects listed as part of a $5.9 million capital improvement plan for 2020-21.
Also included is work to replace the field house floor at Naperville Central; upgrade the learning commons areas at Naper and Prairie elementary schools; replace the rubber playground surface at the Ann Reid Early Childhood Center; install new playgrounds at Beebe and Scott elementary schools; replace doors and lock sets throughout the district; and conduct flooring, roofing and asphalt repairs.
Pat Dolan, director of buildings and grounds, told the school board in December the district plans to spend about $6 million a year for each of the next five years on building maintenance and upgrades. The spending is laid out in a "rolling" plan that can be updated as needs arise.
"We would like to remain as flexible as possible to produce the safest, most comfortable environment for our students," Dolan said.
After the 2024-25 school year, however, Dolan said the district should consider conducting a new facility assessment to replace the previous one completed in 2013.
School board member Donna Wandke said she would be open to completing a facility assessment sooner to ensure the district is planning building work in the most efficient way and ensuring energy efficiency and sustainability.