Architerra, Pc., the architecture firm working with the administration and Board of School Directors to design the field improvements planned for the Methacton High School campus gave a report of their progress during a meeting of the Property Committee of the Board in February.
Based on discussions that took place during previous meetings that included district administrators and members of the Board, the firm brought several options to the meeting for review. Aerial photographs of the campus with potential field locations and costs were presented, and are available for download here. Each option includes one or more synthetic turf fields as well as potential seating, field houses and other improvements.
Based on current usage guidelines for a high school Methacton’s size, the campus is deficient by six fields. The options proposed would provide the equivalent of 11-12 total fields, based on the assumption that each synthetic field is counted as the equivalent of two fields without lights, and three if lit. This assessment takes into account the decreased need for “resting” of a natural field, as well as the increased hours that a field is available for use in the evenings if lit.
Methacton High School Principal Judy Landis and Paul Spiewak, the high school’s assistant principal for athletics and activities presented the Board with a detailed reporting of how adding synthetic turf to the high school campus would facilitate increased usage by Methacton’s own athletic teams, activities and instructional programs; as well as additional access for community groups and organizations. This report is also available for download here. (Please note the axis when comparing charts - the scale differs from chart to chart.)
Next steps include choosing a general direction for the field design and placement and determining a preliminary budget for the project. Methacton’s administration will evaluate the options in order to prepare a recommendation for the Board’s consideration. A public presentation is also planned for the Board's February 28 regular meeting.
Once a recommendation is prepared, the architect and Methacton officials will meet with Worcester Township officials in order to obtain any necessary approvals before the project may be bid.
By unanimous vote during their regular meeting on October 25, 2011, the Methacton School District Board of School Directors approved an athletic field improvement and lights project at Methacton High School. These improvements are to include the installation of synthetic turf and stadium lights.
