Multi-purpose turf field planned for new Thomas Jefferson High School

West Jefferson Hills School District leaders are looking to add a multipurpose turf field behind the new Thomas Jefferson High School that would serve as a space for soccer and band practices, as well as physical education classes.

The proposal would turn what now is a muddy grass area into a multi-use field surrounded by a three-lane track, with bleachers and lighting features, set to open by next fall.

District leaders do not have a total cost estimate for the project, as groundwork still needs to be done on the site.

“Since we’ve been in the new school, we’ve realized that first and foremost the field that’s out there now, the grass is unacceptable … You could never play anything on it competitively. It’s muddy. It’s a mess,” Superintendent Michael Ghilani said.

Board members on Oct. 22 tabled a proposal from Eckles Architecture & Engineering to provide sports architecture services for the multipurpose field and athletic facilities master planning.

Mark Scheller, of Eckles, spoke with board members about the services his company would offer, including looking at numerous turf companies to find the best product at the best price. They also would provide engineering and construction work to help the district through the permitting process.

Board members tabled the agreement to allow Ghilani to speak with the architects that worked on the high school construction project to see what documents they have for the site, in hopes of saving money by not duplicating work.

Initial drawings for the new high school included plans to add fields at the new school at some point, Ghilani said.

No football stadium was built at the new school, as the district in the last 17 years had constructed a new stadium at the old school, which is still being used for competitive games. This wouldn’t replace the existing stadium.

The new multipurpose field would primarily be used for soccer and band practice, Ghilani said. Physical education classes could use it, along with the track.

Pleasant Hills Middle School’s soccer team could play games on the field, the superintendent said.

The multipurpose field is Phase I of the project. District leaders say as Phase II, they later plan to add a turf softball and baseball facility with a locker room and concession stand at the new high school. Eckles, as part of their contract, would provide 3D renderings of the overall project to allow the district to seek outside funding for Phase II. There is no time frame for Phase II.