The bids are in and installing artificial turf at the Lake Orion High School football and soccer fields is going to cost the school district $1,578,000.
Money from the 2000 bond issue will pay for the new turf.
According to LO School Superintendent Dr. Craig Younkman, some additional funding is coming from wise investments the district has made over the past few years.
General Sports Turf in Rochester was low bidder for the project which is expected to begin on May 23.
School board members liked the product because it has an E layer that absorbs shocks better making it safer for athletes.
‘It’s similar to Orion’s track surface,? said Bruce Lemons of Foresite Design, coordinator of the bids. ‘It’s safe and porous.?
He told the board his company has installed 25 or 26 artificial turfs.
The turf comes with an eight year warranty and will probably last for 10 years before replacement is necessary, according to Lemons. Then only the top layer has to be replaced.
Younkman said installing the turf will bring about an increased use of the facility. Grounds workers will also be able to work on other fields more because the turf surface is less maintenance than grass.