By early 2022, Columbia County’s sports grounds may have a new look.

At the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday night, the person in charge, Dr. Steven Flynt, introduced detailed information on the use of artificial turf and natural turf in its five high schools. 

Although the upfront cost of installing turf is high, Flint points out that the long-term benefits of this cost will be beneficial.

According to estimates he received, each school’s lawn will cost between US$857,990 and US$983,820, while the replacement of natural grassland will cost between US$539,000 and US$646,800, and an additional annual maintenance cost of US$45,000 to US$50,000 will be required.

Each venue has 130 games, including football, lacrosse, football, women's rugby and leisure leagues, as well as band games, youth camps, and Special Olympics. Some of the grass may need to be rebuilt every two to three years.

Flint said the lawn field can be used for at least 8 to 10 years, and some fields are known to last longer.

Sports and maintenance personnel will receive training on how to maintain the turf field, and selected suppliers will complete annual inspections to ensure the safety of athletes’ turf. Flynt is not sure whether the estimates provided include these inspections or whether there will be an annual fee for the area.

In addition to the money and maintenance benefits, Flint said that compared to grass, turf land is safer and can absorb heavy blows. Artificial turf can also provide better traction and reduce heat.

Flint said that if the turf is laid after the football season, some (if not all) of the grounds will be completed in February.

It takes four to six months for the school to use the grass.

"Whether it is in spring or autumn, it is difficult not to interrupt the (sports) season," said Cliff Sanders, director of facility maintenance and operations. "It's almost impossible."

The board of directors approved the next phase by exploring the exact cost of suppliers and potential country contracts.