During the Oct. 28 board meeting, Parkland School District Superintendent Richard Sniscak recalled a discussion on artificial turf for the soccer field commenced in August.

"The board granted us consensus to move forward with a cost analysis," Sniscak said.

He proceeded to introduce Thomas Daniels, senior project manager at Alvin H. Butz Inc., which conducted a study of the field and compiled anticipated costs for conversion to artificial turf.

"It's not a cheap project," Daniels said. "It's a million and a half, or so."

He said the two most expensive portions of the project would be general removal, bulk excavation, and under drainage of the existing grass field at a cost of $522,555 and acquisition of artificial turf surface, lines, logos and grooming equipment at a cost of $679,076.

Other costs are related to design and permitting fees.

An additional option would be construction of team rooms and a ticket booth at $316,000.

Daniels said the track, completed 15 years ago when the high school opened, is in great shape, but the surface is wearing and in need of recoating, which comes at a cost of $282,986.

He added the grass field is difficult to maintain because of frequent use by soccer, lacrosse and field hockey teams.

Director of Athletics Jeff Geisel commented on the proposal.

"We have heavy use in a small amount of time," Geisel said. "That's why we're seeing these problems."

Daniels explained the district would be able to recoup some costs through rental of the field to the public, which could bring in $40,000 to $50,000 a year.

The district could save $4,800 to $5,300 annually, now spent transporting athletes to other sites for games and practices, Daniels said.

He said the reporting process for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System of the Clean Water Act could take five months.

Construction can be accomplished in 16 weeks, if weather is favorable.

"The decision is important now or we'll miss next summer's construction opportunity," Daniels said.

Sniscak brought the discussion to a close.

"Let's give the board a chance to digest this information and look at our budget," Sniscak said. "By the end of November we can make a decision on whether to go forward with this project or not."