A new look

When fans walk into the PCM football stadium in September, it won’t be the same old field that has been used for years. A vote by the PCM School Board to replace the grass field with synthetic turf passed without opposition during a special board meeting Dec. 5.

The board voted to amend the professional services agreement with Shive-Hattery Engineering Firm to add design and documentation services for a new synthetic turf football field. The scope of the work includes removal of existing soil, installation of a new sub-base and drainage system for the field and a new synthetic turf playing surface with logos and field markings. It also includes an alternate for bidding and construction of a shock pad to be played underneath the synthetic turf.

“It also talks about the shock pad, which is for head injuries, concussions and also the GMAX force for other injuries to the body,” PCM Superintendent Brad Jermeland said.

At an earlier meeting, representatives from Shive-Hattery explained the efforts put in to make sure the playing field is in top condition citing GMAX and Head Injury Concussion (HIC) ratings and how adding the shock pad further addresses those issues. Those ratings measure, among other factors, the likelihood of head injury arising from an impact on the turf.

The shock pad is estimated to cost between $90,000 to $120,000 and will last about 20 to 24 years. It is also anticipated the addition of the pad between the synthetic turf and the rock base will further the life of the turf because it won’t be rubbing against the rocks.

“I feel it is worth the money to invest in the pad,” board member Rod DeHaai said.

Also in the contract, the limit of liability value of the owner architect agreement increased from $1 million to $1.5 million and Shive-Hattery’s compensation increased by $90,300 to a total contract of $276,440. The total cost of the amendment to the contract is approximately $1.3 million

The project is set to take about 10 weeks to complete and take place throughout the summer. Along with the turf, the track will be removed and replaced with a new all-weather eight-lane track and the existing track perimeter and site fencing with be replaced. To become American with Disabilities Act compliant, the existing bleachers and press box will be removed and replaced along with new sidewalks that will be ADA accessible. The existing scoreboard will also be replaced with a new LED scoreboard and video board to provide better visual eligibility and flexible sport use.

With the addition of the synthetic turf, the athletic complex renovations are estimated to cost $3.3 million.

The work is expected to be completed prior to the start of the fall football season, but a little leeway has also been discussed should weather occurrences push the schedule.

“They were pretty positive that we may just move the first two games to away to have a couple of week window,” board chair Mitchell Chipps said.

Jermeland said they would look closer to August to make any adjustments, should they be needed.

“I want people to understand that this isn’t just because of football this is actually because it can be used my multiple sports and activities that we are supporting,” board member Nicole Stafford said.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com