High School Turf Fields Advisory Group

Purpose(s)/Goal: 

• Provide input and recommendations for the design elements (e.g. field markings, lighting, fencing, seating, etc.) associated with synthetic turf field installations at Bellingham (BHS) and Squalicum (SQHS) high schools.
• Provide input and recommend the type of turf and infill material for new synthetic turf fields at Bellingham, Squalicum and Sehome high schools.
• Help communicate and gather input from stakeholders including staff, neighbors, community members and parents.

Basis for Establishment:

As part of the bond approved by voters on Nov. 5, 2013 some existing grass fields at Bellingham and Squalicum high schools will be replaced with new synthetic turf fields (Phase 1).  A future bond issue will replace the remaining grass fields at Bellingham and Squalicum with new synthetic turf fields (Phase 2).

• BHS Phase 1:  The existing grass PE/soccer field located south of the tennis courts and north of the softball/baseball fields will be replaced with a new synthetic turf field. A possible additional tennis court will also be constructed if funds allow. (Phase 2 will replace the existing grass baseball, softball, PE/soccer/football fields with new synthetic turf following the passage of a future bond issue.)
• SQHS Phase 1: The existing grass PE/soccer/football field located adjacent to the lower parking lot will be replaced with a new synthetic turf field.  The existing synthetic surface running track surrounding the existing field will receive a new synthetic surface. A possible tennis training wall will be constructed if funds allow. (Phase 2 will replace the existing grass baseball, softball, PE/soccer/football fields with new synthetic turf following the passage of a future bond issue.)
• SHS, when rebuilt, will receive new PE, football, soccer, baseball, and softball fields as well as a new running track.

Decision-Making Process:

• Advisory to the superintendent.

Plan of Work and Timeline:

• Meet five times from December to February.
  • December 17, 2015 (2:30-4); January 6, 2016; January 20, 2016; February 3, 2016; February 17, 2016
• At least one meeting date will include an all day tour of existing synthetic turf fields in Bellingham and/or the Puget Sound area.
• Host input meeting(s) or gather feedback in January/February as needed on draft recommendations.
• Make recommendations to superintendent by February 26, 2016.
• Begin field construction at BHS and SQHS as early as late spring 2016 with fields completed as early as fall 2016. (Construction could move to 2017 if necessary).
• Sehome’s fields will be completed during the new school construction process by fall 2019.