MMHS Multi-Use Artificial Turf Stadium Project

Supported by the MPS School Committee, Superintendent, Athletic Director,
DPW Director, Recreation Director, Mashpee Boosters, Southport Falcons board & students.

With the support of the CPC, Capital Improvement Committee and the voters, the project is ready to go if fully approved.

Jan. 6, 2022 - the Community Preservation Committee approved 1.7 million in funds for the project.

 

Project Scope

1. Converts the MMHS stadium field from grass to a multisport artificial turf field
2. Replaces the out dated and worn track
3. Converts the stadium lights to LED.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Why does Mashpee need a Turf Field?
The project will allow the Mashpee Middle/High School (MMHS) to sustain the current athletic program at the expected level.  Mashpee is struggling to keep up with the demand for field space. Participation in youth and MMHS level sports has grown exponentially since 1996 when the stadium was built. 

Since the construction of the high school in 1996, the number of athletic teams using the fields has grown, with the addition of Middle School as well as the inclusion of other sports such as lacrosse.  A total of 25 teams now play during the Fall and Spring seasons.  Maintenance of these existing fields in acceptable playing condition has become almost impossible because of the intensity and duration of use.

Why not just add another grass field? One turf field is equivalent to multiple grass fields due to back-to-back play and practice on a turf field. The field will also be lined for expanded use by all sports (except baseball and softball). And because the Stadium Field has field lights, use can be scheduled beyond daylight hours. Additionally, teams can safely play and practice on a turf field in any kind of weather and are not subject to field closings due to bad weather or risk of "beating up" the grass fields.

Field
Currently, the field in the Stadium is used primarily for games to preserve the grass from excessive wear and tear.  This forces teams to share use of the other grass fields, creating scheduling conflicts because of the limited number of fields, limited daylight hours, and overlapping field layouts (baseball and softball outfields overlap the multi-purpose fields).  And because of the limited number of fields, all fields are used during both the Fall and Spring seasons.  This allows less than three months for maintenance and rest of the fields, the timing of which is during the hottest time of the year when reseeding of grass is not ideal and requires significant watering.  

Replacement of the grass in the Stadium Field with synthetic turf will allow increased use.  The field will be lined for use by all sports (except baseball and softball).  Because of its durability, play can be scheduled on synthetic turf without the concern for excessive wear.  The field will also be constructed with a drainage system so cancellation of games because of unplayable conditions due to rain or snow will be avoided or minimized.  And because the Stadium Field has field lights, use can be scheduled beyond daylight hours if necessary.

An additional benefit of the synthetic turf and increased use of the Stadium Field would be the ability to lessen the use of the other grass fields, allowing more time for their maintenance and rest.

Track
The track itself has reached the end of its useful life.  While it has been resurfaced over the last 25 years, complete reconstruction is now needed.  As the condition of the track continues to deteriorate, the surface will become unsafe for use and the ability to host “home” track meets will be jeopardized.  

2. What is the scope of the project?

The project is reconstruction of the track and replacement of the grass field with synthetic surfacing. While the size of the playable field will be increased by relocating track events from the sidelines of the existing field (long jump, etc.), the overall footprint will not be expanded.  Maintaining the footprint will avoid impacts to the existing bleachers, storage facility, and press box within the Stadium as well as impacts to the adjacent basketball and tennis courts.  Avoiding these impacts avoids the associated costs to replace and/or relocate them.  The existing track and proposed field meets the School’s needs.  Geographically, it is unlikely that Mashpee would host a state-wide track tournament that might require an eight lane track.  And the expanded field meets the maximum dimensions required for the various sports for high school play.

The project also includes extension of the water service to the existing concession building and to a new hydration station as well as provision of an additional storage building for field maintenance equipment and event equipment.  The existing field lights will be converted to LED, providing more efficient and better quality lighting.

2. Why build this project now?
We believe it is the right choice. Funding is currently available for the project. This is a capital improvement project that has merit and one that brings value to our community. Here are some critical facts to take under consideration.
A turf field will reduce fertilizer run-off and the LED lights will reduce electrical usage.

3. Why does the track need to be updated?
The track itself has reached the end of its useful life. As the condition of the track continues to deteriorate, the surface will become unsafe for use.  

4. Are there other options for the proposed project?
           Track-As noted, the track has reached the end of its life. If the Town wants to maintain a track, the only option at this time is for its reconstruction. 

           Field- For the field, in order to sustain the current athletic program at MMHS, the only option to replacement of the grass with synthetic turf would be to construct additional fields (clearing a minimum of an additional two acres).  This would lessen the intensity of use and allow for rotation in use of fields during the season for maintenance.  With this option, outside use of the fields would not be allowed.  Also, the capital costs to construct additional fields would be similar but operational costs, which would require additional staffing as well as fertilizer and pesticide application and irrigation, would be higher.   

5. Who will benefit from this project?
           Students -Over the 20± year life expectancy of the new track and field, more than 4,500 students will use the facility as a member of a school team. Additional all students will use the field during the PE curriculum.

            Community- The facility is currently available for public use during non school hours. Once built the field would become newly available during non-school hours for Mashpee youth sports leagues and/or Recreation Department programs. The track and field would also become available for rental by other organizations, subject to other scheduled usage.

Will the synthetic turf contain PFAS?

No.  There are several manufacturers whose product do not contain PFAS.  This will be a requirement in the bidding for the project.

Will the synthetic turf use a crumb rubber infill?

No.  The project proposes to use an alternative infill material, either TPE (polymer) or Envirofill (coated sand).

What are the environmental benefits of synthetic turf compared to grass?

Synthetic turf does not require application of fertilizer or pesticides.  It also does not require irrigation.