Quaker Valley officials say stadium turf/track replacement could be done by early August

It’s literally a rebuilding year for Quaker Valley High School athletics as a turf and track replacement project nears its halfway point.

Keystone Sports Construction crews have been working to gut the playing surface at Chuck Knox Stadium since June 4.

Charlie Gauthier, district director of facilities and administrative services, said via email that demolition is complete and turf installation was expected to begin this week.

“We are very pleased with the progress and remain on schedule to open the field for use on Aug. 5,” Gauthier said via email. “At this time, there are no plans for a grand opening event. Teams will begin practicing as soon as the field is ready.”

The school board unanimously awarded the Montgomery County-based business the estimated $1.16 million contract in late October. It is being paid for through the district’s capital projects fund.

The district reached out to multiple vendors and school districts as part of the project’s preparation.

Keystone Sports Construction was the lowest bidder. The company had recently installed Sewickley Academy’s baseball and softball fields.

Gauthier said he reached out to academy officials as part of the screening process and they commended Keystone’s work.

Quaker Valley’s stadium remains closed to the public due to construction. The tennis courts are open.

District Athletic Director Mike Mastroianni said the field is not much to look at right now, but excitement is building.

“We’re on such a tight schedule to turn it around and have it ready,” Mastroianni said on July 1.

“It’s always exciting when you get an upgrade to your facilities. The return of school and fall sports is always an exciting time in high school. Included in that now will be the new stadium and new track. The level of anticipation for that is exciting for everyone involved.”

Fall sports practices start Aug. 11. The first day of school is Aug. 20.

The high school football teams, as well as boys and girls soccer, boys and girls track and field, lacrosse, cross country and youth athletic programs, use the field.

The previous surface was about 12 years old; the average lifespan of artificial turf is 10 years.

“We definitely got our usage out of it (and) it was time (for a replacement),” Mastroianni said.

Most athletic practices and activities typically held at the high school field have been relocated to the Quaker Valley Middle School field for the duration of the project, according to a notice on the district’s website about the project.

Families were also to have received communication from specific coaches confirming practice locations.

Mastroianni said getting the information out about the field closure and construction early minimized any confusion or complaints.

“We’re appreciative of everyone’s cooperation,” he said.

Bigger picture

The new field will incorporate the district’s QV logo and school colors of black, white and gold. The name “Quaker” will be written in the end zones, something the old field lacked.

The changes are another part of the district’s rebranding efforts. District teams got new uniforms a few years ago.

Other stadium upgrades in the past two years include LED lights and a new scoreboard.

The lights can be changed to different colors, such as red, white and blue during the playing of the national anthem, and flash like paparazzi cameras when a team scores.

Keystone Sports Construction officials did not respond to messages seeking comment as of press time.