(Spirit Lake)– The Spirit Lake school board Monday approved a proposal to replace the track and to put artificial turf on the football field. And the work will be done at very little to no cost to the district.
Superintendent Dr. David Smith says funds for the track project, which has an estimated cost of about $300,000, along with the field turf estimated at about $350,000, will be provided through donations that have already been secured through both the public and private sector.
Under the proposal approved by the school board Monday night, the only caveat for the district will be a $15,000 a year lease for the turf over 12 years. Smith says that’s equivalent to the amount the district is currently spending each year to mark and maintain the natural turf on the field.
Smith emphasized the school board has not made artificial turf a priority, saying they have other facility needs that are much higher on the list. Having said, Smith says the donations that have been offered make it a deal too good to pass up.
Plans call for the work to replace the track and install the turf to get underway immediately after the conclusion of the current track season. Smith says they’re hoping to have the work done in time for the first home football game of the season this fall.
