Nicolet May Install Astroturf, Renovate Athletic Field

Nicolet school officials are in the planning stages of a $1.5 million renovation to the athletic field.

The renovations would add an 8-lane track, install Astroturf on the football field and replace bleachers and concession areas.

Superintendent Rick Monroe said Monday boosters want to meet soon with the School Board and school administrators to discuss possibly expanding the plan to include a new baseball and softball field.

With budget woes a constant, Monroe said the renovation will be completely paid for by a fundraising campaign.

Monroe said sports teams don’t use the current grass field very often, as it is easily damaged. 

“The field does get torn up pretty easy,” he said. “Holes starts to develop on the field and the grass gets torn, especially after a heavy rain, or a lot of use. We don’t practice there very often.”

But with Astroturf, the field could be used more often, and the school could rent out the field to nearby clubs and charge a fee. Schools like Cardinal Stritch would be excited to have a field so nearby, Monroe said.

He added schools often raise enough money through field rentals to fund maintenance of the field, and replacement of the Astroturf carpet after roughly 12 years of use.