Thanks to the hard work of a number of La Jollans, the athletic field at Muirlands Middle School is to sprout a new turf as part of a renovation project.
According to committee member Howard Frank, the idea to install an artificial surface on the field originated in a conversation he had with school board trustee John de Beck in February 2006, when the Brent Woodall clubhouse was dedicated.
“Mr. de Beck looked at the poor condition of the Muirlands athletic field and suggested that the community should consider forming a committee to raise funds to renovate the field with the installation of Field Turf,” Frank said.
The project entails stripping the entire field, leveling the field, installing a state-of-the-art drainage system, installing Field Turf (the very best artificial surface), putting in a new smooth, level running surface around the perimeter of the field and, finally, installing a multifaceted area which would include stations for chin-ups, sit-ups, etc.
“The total estimated cost is $1.2 million,” Frank said. “To date, we have raised about $180,000.”
Field Turf is the product that has been installed at a number of athletic fields in the San Diego Unified School District, and, of course, it has the approval of the district.
According to Frank, the current field is dangerous and unsafe.
“Over 1,000 students at Muirlands are on the field each day for physical education classes,” Frank said. “Between the field and existing track, there were over a dozen injuries to students in the last school year.
“The field is also used for the Muirlands girls lacrosse program, the Muirlands after-school program, the high school baseball team (for three months a year) and other athletic teams.”
Based primarily on the amount of usage, the field cannot be adequately or safely maintained, Frank continued.
“No amount of grass seed, fertilizer or water can solve the problem,” he said. “An artificial surface is the only answer.”
The main thrust behind the project is the health, safety and fitness of the youth of La Jolla.
Every student at an elementary school in La Jolla and every student at Muirlands will be on this field for PE each day for three years. A safe field is a key to their health and fitness, according to Frank.
“Each principal of each public school in La Jolla has embraced this project and in fact each is a member of our committee,” Frank added.
For information, visit the Muirlands School website, www.muirlandsms.org, or contact Howard Frank, (619) 574-1888.
Donations may be sent to: Turf It, c/o Muirlands Foundation, 1056 Nautilus St., La Jolla, CA 92037.