December 3, 2024 By Carol Britton Meyer
As the result of a sports surface impact test report completed by G-Max Testing, while the 2013 synthetic turf field at Hingham High School is “in good condition for its age,” it’s time to consider a replacement, according to school officials.
“This G-Max test for synthetic turf fields measures the ability of the playing surface to absorb the shock from a fall or collision to the surface of the turf field,” School Committee Chair Nes Correnti told the Hingham Anchor following a discussion Monday night. “The lower the G-Max rating, the more energy is absorbed by the surface. Our field is still within range; however, we discussed the need for a replacement and voted to propose a warrant article to replace the turf field.”
Issues relate to uneven, slippery, and exposed surfaces and the fact that heat absorption increases under these and other field conditions; the infill can become compacted; water pooling and runoff; decreased performance; and the increased risk of injury.
The turf field is used by high school boys and girls soccer, football, field hockey, and boys and girls lacrosse teams and for physical education and graduation ceremonies, as well as youth athletics football, boys and girls soccer and lacrosse, and field hockey teams.
R.A.D. Sports recently submitted a proposal for a synthetic turf replacement, with the estimated cost ranging from $742,295 to $813,315 depending on the project scope. The proposed turf will not be made with PFAS-based materials (widely used, long-lasting “forever” chemicals), according to the proposal.
With regard to the proposed warrant article, Correnti explained, “We have $250,000 earmarked for the replacement of the turf field in our field revolving account [to cover part of the cost].”
That account has not been active since the Rec Center took over renting the fields out.
As a result, the school committee voted a number of years ago to earmark the remaining balance for the eventual replacement of the turf field, according to Correnti.
A task force comprised of members of the Rec Department, school department, school committee and town administrators monitors the needs of town fields.
“The task force discussed the possibility of soliciting a donation for the field, which would allow for naming rights for whoever donated,” Correnti explained. “Otherwise, this could possibly become a warrant article at town meeting. That decision is yet to be determined. If it is a warrant article [at the next Town Meeting], the turf field would not be put in place until the summer of 2026.”