News Summary
Mount Pleasant High School has transformed its athletic fields by installing synthetic turf, addressing the issues of deteriorating natural grass. The community and local supporters raised $580,000, with a significant contribution from the Morey Foundation of Isabella County. The renovation, which took 45 to 60 days to complete, enables year-round use for sports and other events. Not only does this upgrade enhance player safety and performance, but it is also cost-effective, saving the school district around $14,000 annually. This trend reflects a growing preference for synthetic turf in Michigan schools.
Mount Pleasant High School Gets a Major Athletic Upgrade!
In an exciting turn of events, Mount Pleasant High School is revitalizing its athletic fields with a shiny new installation of synthetic turf. This renovation is set to change the game for student athletes and community members alike, bringing a fresh approach to outdoor sports and events!
Why the Change?
The high school’s natural grass fields have taken quite the beating over the years. With a staggering nine to eleven games crammed into the first few weeks of each season, those grass fields simply couldn’t keep up. Players were met with muddy and uneven conditions that made performance a challenge. This led discussions to kick off last fall between the football team’s assistant coach and the head coach, who realized it was time for a serious upgrade!
Community Steps Up!
What’s a great renovation without an equally great support system? The enthusiastic community rallied together to raise the necessary funds, leading to the formation of the “Pillars of the Community” fundraising committee. Their hard work paid off, especially with a generous $200,000 donation from the Morey Foundation of Isabella County. Together, the local supporters managed to raise a total of around $580,000—just enough to transform those grass fields into a top-notch athletic haven!
Construction Close-Up
As the summer sun blazed in June, installation began, wrapping up just in time for the fall training sessions. The project took about 45 to 60 days, allowing athletes to step onto a brand new surface ready to enhance their game. Can you imagine the thrill of that first practice on perfect turf?
Year-Round Action
One of the coolest aspects of synthetic turf is its capability to handle year-round use! Not only does it offer a consistent and reliable playing surface for all sports teams, but it also opens the doors for various community events, including band competitions and all kinds of festivities. Who says weather should be a spoilsport?
Cost-Effective Benefits
For the school district, this upgrade is a win-win. The new turf significantly reduces annual costs; estimates show a saving of approximately $14,000 from cutting back on mowing, fertilization, and irrigation. Plus, enjoy peace of mind with a 10-year warranty on the turf, with some fields holding strong for even up to 14 years with the right upkeep!
A Trend with Benefits
This renovation is not just a standalone case—it’s part of a sweeping trend throughout Michigan. Many communities are opting for synthetic turf fields funded directly through community support, making this an attractive financial strategy that keeps taxpayer costs down. Schools like Ann Arbor Public Schools have also jumped on the bandwagon with public funding for synthetic turf facilities, showcasing a flexible understanding of how to finance these improvements.
Safety First!
Safety is always a top priority, and synthetic turf shines in this area. The material provides a smooth surface that helps to lower the risk of injuries often associated with rugged natural grass. Athletes can train and compete with the confidence that they’re on a level playing field—literally!
The Pros Behind the Project
ProGrass Turf is the company overseeing this major renovation, boasting a rich history with over 600 successful turf upgrades nationwide. They know their stuff, and it’s evident that synthetic fields are swiftly becoming the go-to choice for many sporting facilities across the country.
Ready to Roll!
The excitement is palpable, as the community eagerly anticipates the benefits of this new athletic transformation. Mount Pleasant High School is set not just for better performance but for stronger community engagement, so here’s to the future of athletics and gatherings under the beautiful new synthetic turf!
