This page is intended to provide information on the proposed Turf and Track replacement project. 

Please check back regularly for new details.

Last update: Wednesday May 14, 2025

MAJOR UPDATE: The project has passed through all necessary votes and has been approved by both towns. Construction will begin following the conclusion of the school year in mid-June.

Project Overview

• The turf was originally installed in 2012 and paid for by DS Boosters. The agreement between DS Boosters and DS Regional Schools at the time was for the region to cover replacement costs when needed.
• The average lifetime for turf fields like the one at DSHS is 10 years. We are currently on year 13 of usage.
• In the New England area, the ability to use the field in inclement weather/low temperatures is crucial to athletic teams.
• Both the turf and track show significant signs of aging and deterioration, and the recommendation has been made to replace both in the summer of 2025.

Planned Upgrades

• Underlay Shock absorption pad - Additional padding would be added under the carpeting which studies have shown can reduce incidence of concussion/head injuries.
  • Currently there is no such padding under the turf field.
• Brock fill (natural wood) - Manufacturer FAQ here
  • An alternative to the current encapsulated rubber infill, Brock fill is a natural wood fill that eliminates environmental concerns related to encapsulated rubber.
• No PFAS in manufacturing process of carpet - Any carpeting being considered would be certified by the manufacturer to not contain any PFAS in the manufacturing process.
• Track coloring change from red to blue, and exchange zones marked with different coloring (see rendering above)
• Lighting - Current lights would be replaced with energy efficient LED lighting.
  • The LED lighting would significantly improve the visibility on the field, and also reduce "light spill" into the surrounding area (The complex would have improved lighting while decreasing the amount of light visible in the surrounding area).
  • Automatic control would be added to allow remote control of lighting, manipulation of light level/number of lights in use, and automatic timing.
  • Automatic light control would allow lighting during evening hours for community members to walk/run on the track, currently not an option with manually controlled lights.

Facility Usage

• The turf serves as a practice/game field for:
  • 8 High School athletic programs (Field Hockey, Football, Girls/Boys Soccer, Girls/Boys Lacrosse, and Girls/Boys Track & Field)
  • 2 town programs (DS Youth Field Hockey, DS Youth Girls Lacrosse)
  • 1 non-profit program (TOP Soccer)
  • 1 local program (Azzurri Soccer)
  • Middle School and High School physical education classes
• The turf is also utilized by a variety of local/regional groups for various events, tournaments, and programming.
• The track is utilized by all three running sports (Cross Country, Indoor Track & Field, Outdoor Track & Field), as well as other local schools and local/regional programs.
• The track is utilized by residents for walking/running and is currently limited to daylight hours when not in use by athletics teams.
• Relay for Life utilizes both the track and turf for an annual fundraising event.
• Graduation is held annually (weather permitting) on the turf and can easily accommodate all students, faculty/staff, families, and other attendees.
• Summer training programs for various athletic teams also take place at the facility.

Current Project Status

Bids have been received, and a contract award will be executed by May 14, 2025, pending both towns' approval of the project.

Timeline

• Replacement need discussion and decision to begin planning process (completed early 2024)
• Activitas, Inc. (Dedham, MA) brought on as Project Coordinator (completed mid 2024)
  • Activitas is a landscape architect with significant experience in turf/track projects
• Design and scope finalized (completed late 2024)
• Activitas presented on February 12th, 2025 to the Regional School Committees and Town Finance Committees the scope and timeline of the project
  • A Q&A followed the presentation, and the meeting was recorded and is available here
• Bidding process begins (February 2025)
• Bid submissions opened (March 27, 2025)
• Bid results and funding allocation:
  • Total Project costs (lowest bidder):   $1,681,500
     
    Funding Allocation
    RSC Approved Funding                         $350,000
    Town Requested Funding:       
       * Dover                                                $714,350
       * Sherborn                                           $617,150
• All votes passed, and project fully approved (May 2025)
• Construction to begin (mid-June 2025)