Editor’s Note: This is the latest in a series of articles highlighting projects funded through a $194 million bond issue approved by Yukon Public Schools’ voters in November 2021.
By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
A Yukon Public Schools’ contractor is “rolling out” new synthetic turf on the district’s varsity softball field.
Act Global America was selected to provide and install the artificial grass surface at the field on the Yukon High School campus, 1777 S Yukon Parkway.
The $537,972 project cost is being covered through the Yukon school district’s 2021 bond issue approved by YPS voters.
“It’s going to be really nice,” YPS Superintendent Dr. Jason Simeroth said. “I’m excited to see that big ‘Yukon Miller’ emblem out there in center field.”
The new turf field will be ready shortly after the start to the Yukon Millerettes’ softball season next week. Recent rains temporarily delayed finishing the project.
The YPS Board of Education in May awarded the softball turf contract to Act Global, which offered the lowest price among four bidders.
“The company’s done a really good job; I’m very pleased with their work,” Simeroth said.
Contractor crews worked long hours (even on July 4th) moving copious quantities of dirt and packing gravel down, preparing to install rolls of the turf.
The project included pouring concrete on the outside of the field to provide foundational support. This helps ensure the new turf will be safe and durable.
FEWER RAINOUTS
Simeroth touted the benefits of having a high-quality synthetic turf on the varsity softball field.
“The rainouts will almost be eliminated,” he said. “As soon as it stops raining, it drains automatically. We’ll be able to have a more ‘predictable’ season.”
A dirt field also creates potholes and other natural hazards while regular grass can affect players with allergies.
“The coaches will appreciate it because of the time and effort it used to take to keep those fields up,” Simeroth said. “They’ll get some of that time back in their lives they spent taking care of those fields.
“The cost of the water and fertilizer is eliminated as well.”
As they’ve prepared for the season, coach Katy Hoke and her Millerettes’ softball team have been using the fields behind Lakeview Intermediate School to practice and scrimmage while the new turf is being completed.
“We told Katy to be ready, just in case, to start one or two games over there on the old fields,” Simeroth noted.
Plans call for synthetic turf to be installed in 2023 at Yukon’s indoor baseball/softball facility and in ‘24 on the varsity baseball field, also paid with bond funds.
