Stadium to get new turf

RUSSELLVILLE – The artifical turf at Russellville High School’s football field will soon be replaced.

The board of education recently approved the only bid it received to replace the artificial turf.

Superintendent Dr. Tim Guinn said the $789,000 from Warner Athletic Construction Co., Inc., in Smyrna, Tennessee, includes installation of a reformation pad below the turf, which will create a surface that’s more shock-absorbent and cushioned. He said the turf should not get impact ruts.

Guinn expects installation to be completed in time for this year’s graduation ceremony, which is scheduled for May 23.

He said the current turf, which he estimates has been in use for around 8 to 9 years, had to be patched several times. The new turf will be “one long continuous strand,” unlike the current type, which is several pieces sewn together.

“A lot of people use that field,” Guinn said. “It’s not just used for football. It’s also used for soccer, band competitions, midget and pee wee football, homecoming pep rallies, and things of that nature. There’s a lot of things that happen on that field.”