Turf fields, tracks, stands, press boxes among the improvements
By Mark Hebert
May 1, 2023 – Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) high school students will be playing home games on new artificial turf fields in the next few years as part of a much-needed upgrade of athletics facilities. Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio announced today that turf fields will be installed at 16 high schools in the next three years, with another five high schools getting turf fields in succeeding years. New tracks, bleachers, press boxes and/or concession stands will also be part of the upgrades at some of the schools.
“JCPS facilities, including our athletics stadiums, have been neglected for far too long.” Pollio said. “Over the next few years, we are going to transform them so our student-athletes, their families, and fans have the same experience at JCPS athletic fields as they already have at other high schools across our state. These improvements will have a significant impact not only on our athletic programs but also will increase the sense of belonging and pride in our school communities.”
The new construction and renovations of athletics facilities is the largest in JCPS history. It is part of JCPS’ Future State plan, which includes millions of dollars in investments in new schools and facilities.
The turf field installation includes several phases, with construction at 16 schools expected to be complete by the end of the 2025-26 school year.
Summer 2023 – Construction begins at Academy@Shawnee, Central, Jeffersontown, Marion C. Moore, and Pleasure Ridge Park High Schools.
Summer 2024 - Construction begins at Doss, Fern Creek, Louisville Male, duPont Manual, and Waggener High Schools.
Summer 2025 – Construction begins at Atherton, Butler, Eastern, Fairdale, Southern, and Valley High Schools.
JCPS’ facilities plan includes constructing new school buildings for W.E.B. DuBois and Grace James Academy in the next two years and replacing Iroquois, Seneca, and Western High Schools in the next 10 years. Those five will get new stadiums when their new schools are built. As Iroquois, Seneca, and Western await their rebuilds, JCPS will update paint and branding on concession stands and press boxes to ensure students, staff, and the community feel pride and excitement when attending a game, practice, or event at their schools.
“Turf fields will provide JCPS student-athletes access to top-notch facilities,” said April Brooks, JCPS executive director of athletics and activities. “Several sports will benefit from these upgrades, including football, soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey. Our students deserve the best facilities to showcase their talents.”
Based on discussions with other school districts, construction companies, and turf manufacturers, the cost of adding turf fields and renovating or adding new athletics facilities is estimated to average more than two million dollars per school. High school principals and athletics directors are excited about the plan.
“This investment will provide our students with the opportunity to be better prepared, empowered and inspired to reach their full potential as student-athletes,” said Sheri Duff, principal of Pleasure Ridge Park High School. “Student pride will be enhanced through a more positive environment with accessibility to the best facilities in our state. We can’t wait to share our new stadium with our students, staff, families, alumni, and community supporters.”