When Point Loma High School (PLHS) seniors toss their caps skyward at the conclusion of their June 12 graduation ceremony, it will also mark the end for the well-worn artificial turf where those caps land. And, while they will not be gone by graduation day, the line of sky blue, portable toilets behind the Pointer Stadium are also about to vanish. And its about time for both projects, according to school officials. After years of waiting to replace the old turf, San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) officials have given the go-ahead to completely replace the old surface with a beautiful new surface that will incorporate school logos, words and designs. PLHS Athletic Director John Murphy is seeking input from students about which Pointer mascot drawing is preferred. Work begins June 13 with the goal of completing installation in time for the first Pointer home football game in September. Murphy said the old field, which is extensively used by community groups in combination with school use, was torn in a number of places. Twice in recent years, a crew has been summoned to attempt repairs by stitching pieces back together. A SDUSD supervisor told an audience at Correia Middle School last year that the manufacturer of the PLHS field is no longer in business, but that the district has found a new supplier whose product has been proven the best available. This company has been used to install all new turf fields at SDUSD sites in recent years. The field was due for replacement several years ago but budgetary problems repeatedly stalled the project. In the end, Murphy said, the issue of student safety became the key factor. The bank of blue portable toilets has been a source of embarrassment and inconvenience for visitors annually at Pete Ross Stadium. They were installed as an emergency measure when the previous restroom building was condemned by inspectors and demolition was ordered several years ago. SDUSD officials are planning to make the Voltaire Street entrance site more attractive by constructing a combination building that will contain a ticket booth, snack bar and restrooms. The improvements will make the new restrooms a welcome improvement, Murphy said. But he said he also expects the new building to add efficiency to game-day operations, and parents in the snack bar should enjoy the added space and comfort, compared to the concrete dungeon where volunteers have worked for decades. Construction on the project is due to begin in May, and guests using this entrance at the June 12 graduation will be walking through the project to access seating. The current snack bar area will become a storage area for athletic equipment.








