Maricopa High replacing athletic field

Maricopa High School is tearing up its synthetic athletic field and replacing it with a new FieldTurf surface.

The Maricopa Unified District governing board approved the upgrade to the field surface at a school board meeting in February. The original synthetic turf “experienced wide-spread failures” as described by the engineering firm that consulted the district.

The school is installing the Revolution Series Turf, FieldTurf’s premium product. It comes with an eight-year warranty and was purchased for a fraction of the retail cost as a result of a negotiated warranty settlement.

FieldTurf’s vice president of global marketing, Darren Gill, said the surface is safer and more durable than natural grass.

“Our infill provides the same biomechanical properties as natural grass, as athletes cut, plant and release,” Gill said. “Proper penetration enables the athlete to plant, twist and release just like they do on natural grass – without undue torque transmitted to the knees and ankles. As a result, chances of injuries are greatly reduced.”

Gill said more than 2,000 high schools around the country have installed this surface for their athletic fields.

The school board has also approved a Cool-Play infill, which has added benefits according to Charles Cook, vice president of construction and installation.

“The Cool-Play part of the infill for the resurfacing of the field can potentially lower the temperature of the field surface by up to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and provide a cooler, faster and safer surface to play on,” said Cook.

The school is also replacing the water cannons, which water and cool the field.

According to Cook, the new field should be ready for use in mid-June.

The total cost of the field replacement, including the Cool-Play infill upgrade and grading, is expected to cost $202,000.

MHS football booster Mark Montgomery said the booster club raised money to help pay for the field upgrade and is excited about the money being put into the football program.

“We are really looking forward to this upcoming season,” Montgomery said. “Although we didn’t make the playoffs last year, the turnout was amazing and we have much gratitude for the local community supporting this program and we are looking forward to bigger and better things.”

Montgomery took it one step further: “I’m predicting we win a state championship next year.***ADVERTISEMENT***