The changes include a renovation of the tracks, installation of new drainage systems and additions of new all-weather turf fields, according to Mark Beebe, principal at Chico High.
The district is updating the fields using one-time funding from the state and reimbursement funding as well. The Pleasant Valley project is expected to cost $1.5 million and Chico High’s project the same.
Sign on Legion Avenue about the Chico High field
The decision was finalized to make these changes at a school board meeting in February. Construction started in March and should be finished by the time the fall semester starts, according to Kathleen Kaiser, vice president of Chico Unified School Board.
“The field at Chico High School has needed repairs for quite awhile now. We are excited for the project and also the fact that other sports will be able to use the field, too, not just football. We have waited a while and are ready to see the new improvements of the field,” said Mike Allen, assistant principal at Chico High.
The Chico High School field has not been used for a few years now, according to Chico Unified District’s board president Eileen Robinson.
“Envirofill turf is going to be used for our new field,” she said. “There has been debate recently about the safety of crumb-rubber turf, and carcinogens have been found it in. We wanted a safer alternative.”
In the beginning of May, the Chico Oaks Rugby Club and their families helped to dig up the field at Pleasant Valley High School, according to Chico Unified School District’s Facebook page.
The two high schools are receiving bids from local contractors. The project will cost about $1.5 million, according to Elizabeth Griffen, a member of the Chico Unified School District.
The names of the high schools will be written on the turf as well, adding a personal touch to the fields. A sign has been placed on Legion Avenue by Chico High School that reads “Coming soon. Fall 2016. Chico Unified School District is proud to present the renovation of the Chico High School Track and Field.”
More information on Chico Unified School District and its plans can be found here.
Pleasant Valley's field in the process of renovation
By Hannah Suzuki