By MATTHEW MEYER | Reporter
Palisades Charter High School will finally break ground on its massive track and field replacement project this week—and the roughly $1.5 million renovations should just narrowly conclude in time for the school’s first home football game next year.
That timeline appeared in doubt over the past two months, as Pali High administrators—who had been planning the project since early in the school year—anxiously awaited LAUSD approval for the overhaul.
With the district’s go-ahead finally in hand, Pali’s Board of Trustees approved a contract with the Long Beach-based AFE Sports this month for just under $1.3 million dollars.
AFE will replace Pali’s heavily worn artificial turf and track surfaces with updated technology that’s projected to last between eight and twelve years.
Related costs and other small improvements to Stadium by the Sea’s iconic venue are expected to boost the final price tag to about $1.5 million.
The renovations are badly needed.
Stadium by the Sea last received field and track replacements in 2007—in the time since, the field’s artificial turf has taken a beating, developing ripped seams and torn patches from end zone to end zone.
Heavy use has left the turf’s fibers matted down and the base below them degraded, making the surface dangerously hard.
Considering Pali’s heavy use of the field, the school is satisfied with its 10-year lifespan.
Pali’s track, however, is a disappointment.
Supposedly good for 20 years (with a re-surfacing rather than full replacement due after the first decade), Stadium by the Sea’s track has become de-laminated from its base and developed cracks and holes throughout.
The track’s shortcomings likely stemmed from mistakes made during the installation process. The $1.6 million project from 2007 was completed by a since re-branded group called Geo Sports Surfaces.
The track’s disappointing life span will inform Pali’s oversight of the new installation.
Operations Consultant Don Parcell told the Palisadian-Post that AFE’s track will use a polyurethane “sandwich” system found commonly at junior colleges. The new surface will be slightly darker blue than its predecessor.
The new field will use a modern, AstroTurf brand surface that does away with the loose, crumby rubber infill that lies underneath most turf fields from last decade.
The pesky crumbs of rubber, found scattered all over the field and in athlete’s uniforms by the end of a game, were long a hallmark of turf fields.
But state and federal health department investigations into the potentially carcinogenic properties of crumb rubber have spurred many school and pro stadiums to avoid the infill.
While the link has not been conclusively proven, Pali followed that cautious trend.
The school will pay for the project largely through fundraising and grants, with help from a deferred maintenance fund.
A US Soccer Foundation grant will cover 15 percent of the field’s cost, while AYSO Region 69 and the Westside Breakers soccer club have pledged contributions totaling roughly $200,000.
Director of Development Mike Rawson is also leading a community fundraising effort, with nearly $25,000 already accounted for through ceremonial donor bricks.
Demolition begins this week, with the field’s estimated completion date set for Aug. 27.
Pali High kicks off their first home game four days later.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
