Spring-Ford set to debut turf field

After a flurry of summertime construction, a new turf field is ready for tonight's football matchup between the Spring-Ford Rams and Boyertown Bears.

Current and former Spring-Ford High School football players and school officials will gather to celebrate the first game on the newly installed synthetic turf field at Coach McNelly Stadium during a pre-game ceremony starting at 6:30 p.m.

School board Vice President John Grispon unofficially monitored construction throughout the summer. On Thursday, he said the field is ready for competition. The space behind both end zones — where high jump and pole vault areas are located — is not yet finished.

Work crews removed the grass field and replaced it with approximately 80,000 square-feet of artificial turf in just over three months. Colored fibers were recently sewn into the turf, creating a Spring-Ford logo at the 50-yard line and blue and gold end zones.

Grispon likes the turf's feel, which does not contain lead.

"It didn't stick to me. It felt like grass," he said.

The school board awarded a contract to Lechmanik Inc., of West Chester, during a May meeting. Discussion about this project began around two years ago.

Lechmanik received a $878,750 general contracting award, while a $395,115 contract went to Tiger Turf. Combined with lacrosse sleeves, goal posts and a resurfacing of the running track, the total price tag for athletic improvements is over $1.3 million.

Grispon said a company from Ohio installed the rubber turf. As a result of crews working two 12-hour shifts for several days to finish in time for tonight's game, lights near the Ninth Grade Center were left on throughout the night.

Tonight's opening ceremony will begin with a performance by the Spring-Ford High School Golden Ram marching band and a ribbon cutting.

Three game balls will be presented to current football team captains by several former players, including James Cincirpino, representing Royersford High School; Robert Stipa, representing Spring City High School and as the grandfather of current player Matt Stipa; and Eugene Krumenacker, representing Spring-Ford High School and as the great uncle of current player Chris Krumenacker.

Longtime fan Jay Mowrey, representing Royersford High School football, will do the coin flip.

A formal dedication of the renovated stadium will take place prior to the Homecoming football game on Saturday, Oct. 18.

Leading up to the board's contract approval in May, a handful of residents raised safety concerns. Several turf fields in New Jersey tested for high levels of lead this past spring.

The school district plans to get maximum usage out of the field. In addition to opening it up to community use, physical education classes and the marching band will be allowed access to the field. Lines can also be painted on the field to accommodate sports other than football and soccer, according to the district.

"With this new playing surface, we will be able to protect the safety of our players, reduce maintenance costs and accommodate more sporting events throughout the year," Athletic Director Mickey McDaniel said in a written statement.

"We invite the public to come out and see the improvements that have been made to Coach McNelly Stadium so that they can see how such projects will benefit our student athletes and others in the Spring-Ford community," he said.

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