North Union Local Schools District Treasurer and CFO Scott Maruniak informed the school board about the general timeline for the natural grass turf project at a recent meeting.
“We just got back the well test, which was sent to the consultants to help review those numbers as far as whether the current pump is sufficient for the irrigation system,” Maruniak said.
He believes the project will go out to bid in August and be conducted in phases.
Maruniak said the plan is to excavate the new practice field behind the field house this September. Then, in October, new grass will be planted. By the end of October, the excavation of the existing practice field, which is located between the football stadium and the village wells, will begin. The goal is to plant new grass in mid-November. The board plans to make improvements to the existing practice field once the new practice field is complete. Maruniak said those improvements include leveling out the field, planting better natural grass turf and installing an irrigation system.
After the regular season, the North Union football team will practice on the stadium field. Once football season is over, excavation of the stadium field will begin.
The new grass will be planted in the stadium “as early as possible” in spring 2023 so that the grass can grow in the spring and summer, Maruniak said.
“Who’s doing the recommendation on what type of grasses we’re planting in these fields,” asked Board President Brian Davis. “We have great people in our district that are great resources for us as a district that, in my opinion, should be consulted.”
Maruniak said the field consultant the district hired is recommending the companies, but he would ask if the consultant is working with any local businesses.
The new stadium field will be playable for both the football team and girls soccer team for the fall 2023 season, Maruniak said.
“The fields are for North Union,” Maruniak said after the meeting. “Any team can use any field. We are one family.”
During the project, the shot put and discus areas will be relocated and the walking path will be raised to avoid flooding, Maruniak said.
“It’s become quite an extensive project,” he said.
Maruniak said the district is planning to pay for the project with the Permanent Improvement Fund.
“The project estimate with all alternates is approximately $977,000.00. The district will plan to do a modified bid process and accept proposals,” Maruniak said after the meeting. “We are able to do this since it is a project that only involves land and no actual school buildings.”
The natural turf project is expected to be discussed at the next outdoor facilities meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 6 p.m. at the North Union Administrative Offices, 12920 Route 739 Richwood.