Learn about the West Bloomfield School District’s approval for a new turf field at WB Middle School, and the improvements it will bring for athletic productivity.
In this episode of The Splash Live, we dive into the West Bloomfield School Board of Education’s decision to approve $663,000 for the pre-purchase of a new turf field at West Bloomfield Middle School. This much-needed upgrade is designed to address safety concerns, improve functionality, and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
The deteriorating conditions of the current grass field—marked by uneven terrain, rocks, and mud during inclement weather—have created significant challenges for students and athletes alike. With heavy usage from gym classes, recess, middle school sports, and even high school teams, the field’s poor state has become a pressing concern.
Highlights of the discussion include:
Safety Concerns: Local residents and board members emphasize the risks of the current grass field, particularly for student athletes practicing on uneven and unsafe terrain.
Athletic and Academic Needs: Athletic Director Eric Pierce shares insights into the district’s packed practice schedules, where every inch of field space is utilized. During spring sports, for example, fields are fully booked from early afternoon until late evening. The new turf field will alleviate scheduling constraints and provide a reliable space for physical education and athletic programs.
Cost-Effectiveness: The shift to a turf field promises lower maintenance costs compared to natural grass, eliminating the need for constant upkeep and allowing for year-round use without the downtime required for grass recovery.
Student Involvement: Excitingly, middle school students, along with incoming fifth graders from local elementary schools, will have a voice in the design of the new field. Three potential designs will be shared in a survey, giving students a chance to shape the field’s look and feel.
Board President Stacy Brickman sheds light on the decision-making process, explaining that while a turf field was considered during the initial construction of the middle school, other critical needs took financial precedence at the time. Now, with the growing demand for safe and equitable athletic facilities, the turf field has become a top priority.
The project timeline includes finalizing site work bids by March 2025, with the field’s construction slated for completion over the summer of 2025. Proposals for drainage and other design elements are still under review.
For more details on this exciting development, watch the full January school board meeting on demand at CivicCenterTV.com.
#WestBloomfield #MiddleSchool #TurfField #Athletics #Education #CommunityNews #TheSplashLive
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