William Fremd and Schaumburg High Schools' stadiums each received new artificial turf surfaces in the fall of 2008.
Following are photos of dedications at each school. see slideshow
Updated: May 19, 2008
At its regular meeting on May 15, 2008, the Board of Education awarded the business for installation of an artificial turf system and track replacement at Fremd and Schaumburg High Schools to the lowest responsible bidder, Speedy Gonzalez Landscaping, for $1,801,548.56 and $1,817,145.71, respectively, with a September 15, 2008 completion date. Bid specifications were sent out to 21 vendors, with four returned.
Posted: April 11, 2008
At its April 10, 2008 meeting, the Board of Education reviewed additional information on artificial surfaces for stadium facilities, and following discussion, approved the concept of installing an artificial surface and track replacement for stadium sites at all five District 211 high schools. Further, it approved engaging W-T Engineering to prepare project bid specifications, including the evaluation and selection of a synthetic turf system, for William Fremd and Schaumburg High Schools. The proposal from W-T Engineering also provides for the development of bid specifications for the underground drainage infrastructure, base material installation, and artificial turf components.
With this approval by the Board, it should be possible to complete the recommended installations at both Fremd and Schaumburg High Schools this summer. It is estimated that field installation can be completed in a 10- to 12-week period.
A copy of the stadium surface information presented to the Board of Education is available at: http://www.d211.org/pdf/stadium_surfaces04-10-08.pdf.
Posted: March 19, 2008
At its September 20, 2007 meeting, the Board of Education reviewed a plan to reconvene the Stadium Surface Committee that originally met during the 2002-2003 school year. The Committee consisted of community members, Board of Education members, central administration, and building administration. At that time, the Committee determined that artificial playing surfaces would afford greater use of existing facilities to include, but not limited to, physical education classes, marching band, football, soccer, and lacrosse practices and contests. Based upon initial cost estimates, project scope, and timing, the Board elected to defer stadium surface projects for future consideration and focus attention on the significant fiscal challenges facing the District at that time. With resolution of the fiscal challenges and other facility needs presently being addressed, it was deemed timely for the Board to again consider a recommendation regarding the installation of synthetic surfaces in each school’s stadium.
The Board received a report from the Stadium Surfaces Committee that was formed to further investigate artificial surfaces at its February 28, 2008 meeting. (http://www.d211.org/pdf/stadium_surfaces_report.pdf.) The Committee completed five surface committee meetings and three sub-committee meetings looking into the areas of stadium usage, maintenance, and safety. While the Committee has come to recognize the significant benefit of installing synthetic fields from an increased usage perspective, extensive work has been done to address safety, drainage, maintenance and funding considerations.
Following discussion at the February 28 meeting, the Board authorized the Superintendent to seek proposals to engage engineering services for site plans, storm water management, and permit work for stadium sites at Fremd and Schaumburg High Schools at a cost not to exceed $27,000.
The Superintendent also recommended continued work by the Committee to develop product selection specifications (turf types, fiber, backing systems, track surface, infill materials, user interface, maintenance, warranty, drainage, base materials, lines/markings), as well as administration and Committee members to begin discussion of potential projects with student groups, booster and band groups, faculty and coaches, and other interested parties to gain input and perspective of support for projects. (http://www.d211.org/pdf/stadium_surface_parent_meetings.pdf)
Additional Information
Stadium Surface Committee Information
Stadium Surface Information
Stadium Artificial Surfaces Presentation (PowerPoint - requires Microsoft Powerpoint software)
