Synthetic Turf Wearing Out Early

Sunday, January 11, 2009Pine-Richland's stadium has been used so much since it opened in 2001 that its artificial turf is wearing out.The cost of replacing it -- which could be $300,000 to $400,000 or more -- was the topic of discussion Tuesday at Pine-Richland school board's planning meeting. No action was taken as board members debated how the cost fit in with the district's capital improvements plan and the 2009-10 operating budget.Superintendent James C. Manley said the artificial turf has become rippled and worn to the point that it is a safety concern. He noted that a rubberized mat and drainage system beneath the turf would not need to be replaced.The turf had a 10-year warranty for "normal" use, but the field is heavily used for a variety of sports and activities, including football, lacrosse, physical education classes, graduation and band, Director Kevin Nigh said. The company with which the school had a 10-year warranty is out of business now, he added. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, click here.