PHOTOS: Whitnall Turf Installation Underway

In the muggy Monday afternoon heat, a construction crew started the tedious process of laying out and gluing down the turf that will make the new football field at Whitnall High School.

The crew—about eight men and women—from VJS Construction Services took on work that could only be done 10 yards at a time, and no faster than a small steamroller-esque machine could make a few laps up and down the field. 

After the roller made its laps, members of the crew reached down and pulled the turf taut for one last pass over a 10 yard line. 

Then, they did it again. And again. 

The work on Monday was the bare bones of the field, with the green turf grass down. The field needs more work before it will be ready for practice or play. Soon, a mix of shredded rubber will be added for safety and a real turf feeling.

• Related: Patch Topics: Whitnall Facilities Project

"So far things are going really well," Whitnall Building and Grounds Supervisor Matthew Karshna said. He expects the project to be completed by Aug. 15, just in time for the start of the school year and the football season.

Karshna said the biggest advantage of this field will be usability and flexibility - and not just for football players.

"With so many groups in schools now using the game field, it's kind of a shame to have all this space that can only be used for football and maybe soccer," he said. "Now we'll be able to have all our groups out here all the time, as long as the schedule can hold it."

The turf installation is part of a major facilities project that , and work on storm water drains, a retention pond and a new scoreboard and bleachers is being done alongside the turf.

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