South Kent News

The Caledonia Community Schools' Board of Education considered bond funding for proposed projects, including synthetic turf for the football stadium, at its Jan. 16 meeting.

A major part of the district's 2020 bond funding plan was new synthetic turf at Ralph E. Meyer Stadium, but the district has been unable to complete the work with the bond funding. 

The district did look into building a new stadium, but the community was vocal in preferring to renovate the current stadium. The district does plan to preserve the stadium, however, the facility needs a lot of work and upgrades, most of which are proposed for the 2023 bond plan.

The district can still afford to put in synthetic turf and has picked a well-regarded designer. After receiving bids for the project, the staff felt that AstroTurf of Michigan was the best possible choice. 

The board was asked to send out a letter of intent at the meeting, not an official binding contract, but committing to the vendor so the district can get the ball rolling and plan a timeline for construction.

“We have two proposals from AstroTurf and FieldTurf that were both evaluated,” said Matt Hess, executive director of operations. “In the second interview, we were looking for a relationship. Which company would be the best to work with over the next ten years? 

"We want to be able to feel comfortable knowing that they're going to be able to supply the equipment, everything that goes into maintaining the field, as well as repairs," he added. "Truly, AstroTurf of Michigan stood out very much ahead in all of those categories. And they provided comprehensive and full answers to the student safety questions that were being asked.”

The board also asked about potential damages to other construction in the future for projects in the stadium. The companies also had to promise that if they damage the track around the field they will pay to repair it.