Allegheny Valley School District hired a design firm to begin planning for artificial turf at its soccer field, the first step in making improvements to the field at Springdale Jr.-Sr. High School that could become home to the district’s football team.
The school board approved an agreement with FieldTurf USA, Inc. for professional design and engineering services related to the proposed artificial turf project at the field.
It also authorized the Georgia-based company to proceed with surveying, infiltration and soils testing at the soccer field, which is estimated to take about six to eight weeks.
That will cost the district about $20,000.
“It’s the engineering aspect of what we need to do if we’re going to put down turf on the field and track,” said Board President Nino Pollino. “You need the environmental testing first.”
In October, the school board approved advertising for bids relating to artificial turf at the soccer field. That included the geological testing and a site survey there.
Pollino said the soccer field is not in good shape and needs attention.
“No matter what we do there, that needed to be done,” Pollino said. “It’s something we’ve been kicking down the road. It’s time to take a look at what we’re seeing there and do something.”
The district’s eyes have turned to that facility since it terminated its lease with Springdale Borough for use of Veterans Memorial Field for football games. Springdale’s football team this fall played its home games on the road. It’s yet to be determined what the future holds for the home of Dynamo football.
District spokeswoman Jan Zastawniak said school administration met with several groups for the project, and recommended FieldTurf USA.
The district, also Tuesday, approved a contract with New Kensington-based Canzian Johnston and Associates to provide coordination and architectural oversight and a site survey at the soccer field on an as-needed basis. Canzian is also overseeing the demolition of the former Colfax Upper Elementary School.
“They’re more in a consultant role,” Pollino said. “It’s if needed, as needed. We wanted someone familiar with the things going on.”
For the field project, the district will compensate Canzian at a $165 hourly rate.
“It’s well below the typical rate,” Pollino said.
