For the first time in almost a decade, Habersham County’s School System is looking to replace the turf along the 90,175 square-foot field at Raider stadium.
The artificial turf made of matrix-helix material, which replaced a natural grass field in 2016, has since deteriorated. Replacement is expected to cost around $621,400. If the item is approved next Monday, a capital projects account would cover the cost.
“(The turf) has reached its life expectancy,” Facilities and Maintenance Director Denise Gunn told board members at a work session Tuesday. “It’s far past it…the fibers are becoming to where we’re losing a lot of them and we’ve got a lot of wear spots.”
With the field’s condition declining before expiration of a 10-year warranty, replacement will come at a discount of $40,000.
School officials said the shock absorbent material of the turf makes for safer play on the gridiron for Habersham County football teams and other sports.
“Matrix turf has undergone decades of in-depth research and intense testing,” Assistant Superintendent Patrick Franklin said. “It has proven stronger, more reliable and yields a longer lifespan than most turf systems.”
If approved by Habersham County’s Board of Education next week, work on the field will be conducted by Texas-based Hellas Construction. That work would begin in mid-November, with the project is scheduled for completion in January 2025.
“As always, safety is our number one priority…” Franklin said.
School officials said the proposed project also could bring opportunity for a Raider logo change, though no decision has been made on what that could look like.
