Washington-Lee Synthetic Turf Replacement on Schedule for August

Unusually heavy summer rains have failed to slow down replacement of the synthetic turf at Washington-Lee High School’s War Memorial Stadium, the county said last week in a news release. Here’s more about the progress, from the release:

The joint County-Arlington Public Schools project remains on schedule for early August completion, having placed the immensely popular field and surrounding running track off-limits to the public since June.

With most of the fresh turf in place along with a new layer of padding that will aid with drainage and provide extra protection to athletes, workers are now focused on lining the field for several sports including football, soccer, lacrosse and field hockey. Machines are also stitching the turf panels together for maximum cohesion.

Because the field materials are waterproof, recent downpours threaten only the installation equipment but Parks and Recreation construction manager Thomas Boyd III says interruptions have been minimal.

A similar field was installed last year at Wakefield High School. Synthetic turfs quickly pay for themselves when compared to the cost of maintaining safe natural grass playing surfaces.

The County is paying 60 percent of the $670,638 Washington-Lee turf contract with APS picking up the rest. The project includes a 10-year warranty.

The Washington-Lee Generals take the field Aug. 20, hosting Annandale High School for preseason varsity football.

PHOTO of Washington-Lee courtesy of Arlington County