Published December 29. 2020 01:45PM
Editor’s note: This week we are looking at the stories that shaped 2020. We’ll continue to publish them through New Year’s Eve.
By Chris Reber
Jim Thorpe Area School District approved an artificial turf field in 2020.
The field was open in time for fall sports teams to play the district’s final contests of the season.
The field has lines for football and soccer.
School board members voted to approve the project in February. The initial cost of $1.74 million increased to $2.2 million with the addition of LED stadium lighting.
The contract was awarded to Keystone Sports Construction.
In March the board gave students, staff and residents the opportunity to give their opinion whether they wanted blue and green turf. A survey showed that students preferred the green turf, and the board made the same choice. $685,000 from the project was funded through a corporate sponsorship by Lehigh Valley Health Network. The health network is also providing services like athletic training, physical examinations, concussion testing and physical therapy services.
In May, three board members proposed delaying the project until 2021, but failed to get a majority to support their efforts.
In June, the board voted to return to sports amid the coronavirus, paving the way for the field to possibly be used this year.
On July 28, the board approved a change order for lights, adding $489,756 to the project.
Work on the project began in early August. In August the board voted to replace the all-weather track at the stadium. That work will be completed in 2021. The board awarded the contract to Grace Industries of Bath, Northampton County. Keystone Sports Construction also submitted a bid. The board heard from supporters of the track and field program including alumnus Kareem Mickens, a professional runner and coach.
The delayed sports season got underway in September. Jim Thorpe played home football games at Panther Valley while the field was completed.
The field opened in late October for football and soccer play.
The turf is almost fully installed in October at the stadium in Jim Thorpe. TIMES NEWS FILE PHOTO
