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Ribbon cutting at War Memorial Stadium to commemorate completion of new turf field 

Turf field is the latest project completed in capital facilities and curricular enhancement expenditure plan

–The Paso Robles Joint Unified School District welcomes the community to an event celebrating the completion of the turf field project at War Memorial Stadium. The event will take place on Tuesday, June 13, beginning at 4:30 p.m., at War Memorial Stadium located at 2405 Spring Street in Paso Robles.

The event will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by the Bearcat spring football game. The community will have an opportunity to come down onto the field and get a first-hand look at the new turf.

The field turf construction project began immediately following the conclusion of the 2016 football season. Tom Maas, owner of Pear Valley Winery, donated over $1 million worth of equipment and labor to move the dirt and level the field. Not only did Maas make a generous donation, but he also secured donations from other community sponsors: Michael Dusi Trucking, Steve Lohr (J. Lohr Vineyard), Viborg Sand & Gravel, Sterling Diamond, Eugene Alonso Trucking & Grading, Sarah Kramer (Umpqua Bank), Ann Cochrane (Heritage Oaks Bank), and Hellas Construction.

The move from natural grass to the synthetic Matrix Turf from Hellas Construction will save the district and city about 4.1 million gallons of water per year and allow schools to use the field year-round for a variety of activities. Paso Robles High School is one of only six high schools in the state of California to currently have the Geo Plus Infill from Hellas Construction. The Geo Plus Infill is a 100-percent organic and recyclable mix of cork and coconut fibers, which has many benefits including optimal shock absorption and excellent traction in any weather. The Geo Plus infill does not retain heat, instead retaining moisture, which reduces temperatures by up to 40 degrees, when compared to a synthetic turf field with the black crumb rubber.

The turf field project is just one part of the PRJUSD Capital Facilities and Curricular Enhancement Expenditure Plan that was approved by the Board of Trustees in October of 2015. The plan, which set a timeline for projects to be completed within five years, was developed by an ad hoc committee consisting of board members, staff, and district representatives. The focus was to assess the use of energy and water while developing a plan to increase student opportunities, provide additional classroom support, generate revenues while reducing costs, and expand partnerships with city and community organizations.

Nearly every project in the plan has been completed in the past two years including the installation of solar panels which will save the district almost $300,000 in just the first year. Also finished this year is the addition of a universal preschool, updated Culinary Arts Center, individual Chromebooks for all middle school students, and relocation of the adult learning center to one that better models independent living skills. The plan has also provided for increased support for intervention, instructional materials, educational technology, dual immersion, and visual and performing arts. Facilities upgrades included safety fencing, new carpet, paint, and general maintenance and repairs at various school sites.

Says Superintendent Chris Williams, “With our district vision and the support of our Board, I am extremely excited to see the amazing work our staff has done so far in providing top-notch facilities for our students and our community.” A second turf field is currently being installed at PRHS which will save the district and city about 2.9 million gallons of water per year and allow PRHS to host athletic, band, and community events year-round.

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The news staff of the Paso Robles Daily News wrote or edited this story from local contributors and press releases. The news staff can be reached at info@pasoroblesdailynews.com.