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Athletic Facilities Task Force

Report to the Board of Directors

Approved by the Board of Directors

March 23, 2018

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Formation of Athletic Facilities Task Force

On August 14, 2017, the Board of Directors of the Longview School District created the Athletics Facilities Task Force. The task force was composed of citizens and staff. The district advertised in the local paper, radio, and via social media for a number of weeks. In all, 31 people applied to serve on the task force. On September 25, 2017, the Board appointed the following individuals to serve:

Robert Blackman, MM AD Calvin Van Fleet Jr. Mark Scroggins Trevor Person, RAL AD Terry Boudreau Amber Rosewood Jason McClung Kami Budge Sadie Salte Jennifer Godinho, RAL Coach Jeff Coleman Chris Smith Gary Bennett, MM Coach Richard Carr, MM Coach Spencer Roland Dan Davis Roger Oldemar Grady Tweit Tyson Chapin Bill Baker, RAL Coach Jennifer Farland Connor Stange Mike West Bob Beal Kacy Clark Mike Rodman Shawn Perkins, MM Coach Max Anderson, RAL Coach Rich Reeves, RAL Principal

Nolan Wheeler, LCC Dan Zorn, Superintendent

Jen Wills, City of Longview Troy Lomax, Facilities Manager

Statement of Need

Longview School District is located in Southwest Washington and serves 6,327 students in 15 schools. The mission of the district is to ensure that every student learns the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors to become a responsible citizen in a rapidly changing society. The district also aims to be the district of choice for families, educators and support staff. To that end, the district is working to improve the educational experience for its students, upgrade facilities, and meet social and emotional needs.

During the years between 2008 and 2012, the district experienced revenue challenges that required it to go into budget reduction mode. There was a concerted effort to fund teachers and classrooms to align with the mission and vision and reduce in other areas like administration, support staff, and to defer facility maintenance and repair. At that same time, the great recession hit the nation impacting Cowlitz County particularly hard. The local unemployment rate spiked to 15% in 2010 and would take five years to rebound to post great recession levels according to the Washington State Employment Security Department’s Cowlitz County Profile (January 2016). During that time period, the district did not run a capital projects bond to improve facilities, as the district did not want to create a burden for its taxpayers. This has led to a backlog of facility repair needs, including athletic facility needs.

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To complicate matters, the district also experienced a decline in enrollment and an increase in the number of students living in poverty and/or needing special services like transitional bilingual services, special education or Section 504 disability accommodations. Enrollment in 2008 was 7,372 compared to todays 6,327. This is a loss of over 1,000 students in a ten year period. In 2007-2008, the district had 47.5% of students living in poverty, compared to over 60.5% in 2016-17. The percentage of students qualifying for special services rose from 18% in 2007-2008 to 25% in 2016-17 (OSPI Washington State Report Card). The 2017-18 homeless student numbers show that 5.75% of Longview students do not have a permanent address they can call home. Overall, the demographics of the students served by the district have changed over the past decade, requiring greater resources and different resources than the district traditionally provided. The district now contracts with mental health counselors to provide mental health services in our schools. The district also employs community liaisons, homeless student success coaches, transition and graduation success coordinators, school and family service coordinators and a full time homeless student coordinator. Many of our highest poverty schools have a number of these resources at the ready for its students to help with the social and emotional needs.

We know through valid studies that students who are involved and engaged in extracurricular activities like sports, clubs and after school programs are more successful in school and in life. Much work has been done at Longview Public Schools to connect students with extracurricular programs that enrich their lives. Unfortunately, when it comes to sports, our students are at a disadvantage. They are using aging facilities that are deteriorating and in need of a great deal of attention. It is fair to say that Longview’s athletic facilities are no longer keeping up with surrounding districts or districts who compete in the Greater St. Helens League, many of whom have installed turf fields to allow for practice and competition despite weather conditions. This disadvantage has become more and more noticeable by athletes, coaches and parents and has spurred a grassroots effort in the community to address this need. At the request of coaches and parents who have come forward, the district formed an Athletic Facilities Task Force to review the condition of facilities and make recommendations to the Board of Directors. This report is a result of their work.

Goals of the Athletic Facilities Task Force

The task force was charged with providing the Board of Directors with a report by April 2018 that would address the following issues:

A. Identify and describe each school district athletic facility including location, dimensions required/desires for the activity, general existing condition and usage per year.

B. Assess condition and space of lockers/dressing rooms for each sport. C. Research related to desired playing surfaces and documentation of the pros and

cons of each surface.

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D. Recommendations as to what facility upgrades and modifications are most desirable for our student athletes.

E. Cost projections including future maintenance. F. Suggested priority sequence for upgrading the facilities. G. Identify funding sources and strategies. H. Minority reports, if any. I. Other.

Over the course of several months, the Task Force met and identified athletic facility improvements that need to be addressed. The committee went through a prioritization process that identified eleven high priority projects. Those projects are listed in the next section. It is the hope of the taskforce that the district will commit to completing these prioritized projects as the funding is made available.

Prioritized Projects in order of Priority

The Task Force identified eleven athletic facility projects and ranked them by priority. The projects listed 1-11 include:

1. Memorial Stadium turf and track replacement. (The field needs to be widened which will result in a need to change the radius of the track.)

2. Memorial Stadium scoreboard 3. Mark Morris track replacement 4. Northlake soccer and softball turf, fence and lights 5. Dick Mealy Memorial pool and locker rooms 6. Dick Mealy Memorial Pool timing equipment 7. Mark Morris football field turf for football and soccer 8. Memorial stadium visitor side bleacher replacement 9. Mark Morris baseball scoreboard 10. Mark Morris baseball field bleachers (upgrade to 250 seats) 11. Mark Morris outdoor seating for football/track, field bleachers (250 seats)

Potential Funding Sources

The taskforce has identified the following potential funding sources to meet the need identified in this report:

1. Private Donations 2. Naming Rights 3. Advertising Sales 4. District Capital Projects Funding

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5. Future District Bond Request 6. Grants

The taskforce also recommends consideration of the increased revenue that could be raised through user fees as usage of the new facilities rise.

The AFTF believes that improved athletic facilities will provide increased opportunity for the generation of revenue to enhance the district’s financial ability to continue improvements and upkeep of its athletic facilities. Increased opportunities for high school playoffs and tournaments, youth athletic tournaments, and community based athletic events at our facilities show promise for future revenue generation. Additionally, the AFTF recognizes that, should there be increased use of our facilities due to events that bring teams and spectators from other communities, there will be a consequent infusion of commerce that holds promise toward helping improve our community’s economy.

Project Overview

PRIORITY #1 MEMORIAL STADIUM TURF AND TRACK REPLACEMENT

CONDITION AND USAGE SUMMARY Presently Longview Memorial Stadium has a natural grass turf field and a nine lane track.

Inside the track, and outside the out-of-bounds lines for football and soccer are two

runways and landing pits for long and triple jump on the south side and two runways and

landing pits for long and triple jump on the north side. The pole vault mats are utilized in

the spring and are located in the middle on the south side with vaulters starting their

approach from the west end of the run way. The high jump pit is located inside the track

on the east end. All throwing events take place outside of the track area. The track oval

at Longview Memorial Stadium is an Equal Quadrant Track. This makes the track radius

very tight and the infield narrow. Opening the radius is necessary and will be beneficial

to all three sports, Football, Soccer & Track. The runways on both sides of the field cause

the field to be very narrow, exasperating the narrowness of the football and soccer

playing surface which present sideline safety challenges. In both football and soccer the

width of the field barely meet the required standard dimension. The required dimension

in Football is 53 yards and 1 foot wide. The required dimension in Soccer is 55 yards wide,

with the WIAA recommendation being 65 yards wide. The width of the grass area on the

existing field is approximately 57 yards. Both the turf field and track are dated.

Maintaining a nine lane track, although not necessary, would be preferred as it would

improve our chances of hosting post-season events. When the field is turfed, relocating

the runway pits and landing areas for the long jump, triple jump and pole vault will need

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to take place. Almost all facilities that have a turfed field have their landing pits located

outside of the track.

The existing grass field at Memorial Stadium is in fair condition. It is used year round for high school football, soccer, and track and field competitions. The field is not used for sport practice sessions because the field would become muddy and unsuitable for competitions. Both R.A. Long High School and Mark Morris athletic teams, boys and girls, use the facility. Memorial Stadium is also the location for the high school graduations, with the stadium used for guest seating and the track used for faculty and student seating.

RECOMMENDED UPGRADES It is recommended the field at Memorial Stadium be upgraded to a multi-use synthetic turf designed to meet WIAA regulations to accommodate soccer, football, and track & field competitions. This will require the widening of the field and reconfiguring the radius of the track, per WIAA regulations. This will require a total replacement of the existing field and track. In the redesign of the field, the long jump, high jump, and pits should be relocated. Attention will also need to be given to drainage on the field and the track. This will require that the grass field and the blacktop that is below the track surface be completely removed and replaced.

RESEARCH When discussing artificial turf versus grass playing fields it is essential to understand there are many factors that need to be addressed when picking one over the other. First of all, a geographic location and consequent weather patterns have a significant impact on which is best for our athletes. Due to the heavy rainfall in Longview (49 inches per year), providing our athletes and community with an artificial field would allow them to play year round. Also, consideration must be given to the resources available to maintain both an artificial turf field versus a grass field. The most important factor, however, is the safety of student-athletes that are competing on these surfaces which will be discussed below.

COST/USE AND AVAILABILITY In the Pacific Northwest, Fall and Spring seasons typically are very wet which can make it difficult to keep grass fields in safe condition. When properly installed with the correct drain system, artificial turf is safe to play on even after heavy rainfall. Therefore, if the field(s) are artificial, the capability to generate revenue can be from sunrise to 10:00 pm (if the field has lights). This would also satisfy the demand for practice space. The turf field can be played on for approximately 10 years before needing to be replaced if properly maintained. The initial cost of artificial turf can appear expensive, and a plan for the replacement of the artificial surface approximately every 10 years would need to be created. The potential savings due to decreased maintenance requirements throughout the life of the

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artificial turf should go towards replacement costs. Below is an example that breaks down potential cost differences between artificial turf and the resodding of a grass field:

SAFETY When discussing the safety element of the differences between artificial turf and natural grass some of the data is misleading because a high percentage of fields are currently artificial turf across the nation. A 2011 study found a higher frequency of ankle injuries on turf for football, soccer, and rugby players (Calligaro, 2016). However, a 2010 study on college football players and a 2013 study on female college soccer players showed a higher frequency of all injuries on grass fields over turf (Calligaro, 2016). According to John Brenkus (host of Sports Science on ESPN), turf reduces the risk for injury by over 10% (Calligaro, 2016). An essential product that must be considered to decrease head injuries, specifically concussions, is the underlying pad. Research from a Chicago area high school

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shows that having new technology absorbing pads have proven to reduce the number of concussions in young athletes. Gmax is the measure of how much force the surface absorbs and in return, how much is returned to the athlete. Recent improvements in reducing the Gmax rating of artificial surfaces has mitigated the concerns of increased injuries caused by artificial turf surfaces. The recommended Gmax for any playing surface is 90 – 110 Gs. The new padding systems register 90 – 100 Gs consistently throughout the playing field. Should the district choose to install artificial surfaces, surface Gmax ratings of between 90-100Gs are recommended. In addition to head injuries, studies have shown that anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries occur more frequently in football than any other sport. Research done on high school football players showed that artificial turf reduces ACL injuries by 43%. There has been concern publicly expressed regarding the possibility that the use of crumb rubber in the installation of artificial turf may increase athlete’s risk of contracting cancer. According to an article written by Alisa Hrustic and published on February 1, 2017 in Men’s Health Magazine, the University of Washington’s School of Public Health and the Washington State Department of Health investigated the connection between soccer players and cancer to see if an unusual pattern had developed. “After comparing the cancer rate among the soccer players included in the study to Washington’s cancer rate among residents of similar ages, they concluded it was actually less than what they expected.” Hrustic also concluded, “Out of more than 100 studies that have been done in the past, no evidence confirms that contact with or ingestion of crumb rubber increases cancer risk, researchers say. Much more extensive research needs to be done to determine whether or not these chemicals could end up in your bloodstream.” Upon completion of this study, the Washington State Department of Health stated that it, “Recommends that people who enjoy soccer continue to play regardless of the type of field surface.”

There are numerous factors that go into the discussion of which is more beneficial to athletes. The benefits mentioned above as well as the benefits of playing on a smooth, even playing surface address the essential elements to the benefits of artificial turf when compared to natural grass. Additionally, available research has not found increased risk of injuries and illness for athletes competing on artificial turf.

REFERENCES Babic, K. (2016, January 20). Synthetic (Artificial) Turf vs. Natural Grass Fields. Retrieved

December 27, 2017, from https://unrulysports.com/synthetic-artificial-turf-vs-natural-grass-fields/

Calligaro, A. M. (2016, September 8). SiOWfa16: Science in Our World: Certainty and Controversy. Retrieved December 27, 2017, from http://sites.psu.edu/siowfa16/2016/09/08/grass-vs-turf-which-is-safer/

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Hrustic, A. (2017, February 1). Men’s Health: Did Artificial Give More Than 200 Soccer Players Cancer? Retrieved March 17, 2018, from https://www.menshealth.com/health/artificial-turf-cancer-risk Washington State Department of Health, Synthetic Turf and Crumb Rubber: Investigation of Reported Cancer among Soccer Players in Washington State. Retrieved March 17, 2018, from https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Schools/EnvironmentalHealth/SyntheticTurf

COST ESTIMATES The cost estimate for Memorial Stadium Turf and Track Replacement is $2,500,000 (soil testing and a site survey would need to be performed in order to obtain a more accurate estimate). It is recommended that this testing be done as soon as possible.

FUNDING RESOURCES Selling naming rights to the turf field and track is one funding option for the Memorial Stadium Turf and Track Replacement project. Other options include seeking private donations and grants. If fundraising efforts are unsuccessful, the project could be included in a future facilities bond measure.

PRIORITY #2 – LONGVIEW MEMORIAL STADIUM SCOREBOARD

CONDITION AND USAGE SUMMARY During the eighth week of the 2017 football season the lights that indicated the visitor score and the home score of the scoreboard stopped illuminating. The timing function still worked. Busack Electric looked at the scoreboard to determine why it was malfunctioning. It is believed that the wiring harness that powers the “Home” section of the scoreboard has a short in it. It is believed the short in the wiring harness causes the processor for each section to damage the component inside the processor, which in turn, makes it malfunction. It is estimated the present scoreboard was manufactured by Fair-Play and was installed in 1991.

RECOMMENDED UPGRADES Install a new scoreboard at the Longview Memorial Stadium.

COST ESTIMATES Recent estimates garnered from Daktronics Sports Marketing estimate the installed cost of a new scoreboard with a total display area of 17’8” X 21’ at between $130,000 - $210,000. The actual cost depends on whether we choose a traditional “fixed” scoring display or a more “flexible” electronic scoring display. The options considered include six

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permanent panels around the perimeter of the scoring display that provide opportunity to secure 6 corporate “Anchor Partner” advertisements that we estimate could generate between $5,000-$8,000 per year per partner. Over a five year period, the revenue from these partnerships could provide the revenue needed to purchase the scoreboard. Additional revenue opportunities are also available with the inclusions of an electronic message display that could include “rolling” advertisements for other corporate entities that would be interested in partnering with the school district.

FUNDING SOURCES The task force is recommending the Memorial Stadium scoreboard be funded through the sale of advertising, and consider the possibility of contractual exclusivity with regard to product availability at our athletic facilities.

PRIORITY #3 – MARK MORRIS TRACK UPGRADE

CONDITION AND USAGE SUMMARY Mark Morris High School presently has an eight lane track. On an annual basis some sort of patch work needs to be done on the track. The most recent areas patched have been the south straight away and before that the east corner. On an annual basis concerns regarding the condition of the track are brought forward by staff and patrons.

RECOMMENDED UPGRADES The task force is recommending the Mark Morris track be resurfaced to meet WIAA regulations and to assure a viable and safe surface on which our athletes can compete at high levels.

COST ESTIMATES Mark Morris Track Resurfacing cost estimate is $208,932 and would include removing and replacing the track with red or black material. The estimate includes striping.

FUNDING SOURCES It is recommended the district fund the resurfacing of the Mark Morris track through the capital projects fund. (Note: This project was approved for completion in the summer of 2018 by the Board of Directors at its meeting on February 12, 2018.)

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PRIORITY #4 – NORTHLAKE SOCCER AND SOFTBALL COMPLEX

CONDITION AND USAGE SUMMARY The Mark Morris Varsity Girls’ Soccer team (fall season) and the Mark Morris Varsity Boys Soccer team (spring season) along with the Lower Columbia College Women’s Soccer team (fall season) play matches on a soccer field directly south of Northlake Elementary School. The soccer field is grass. In the fall the field is in great shape due to the efforts of the Longview Public Schools’ Facilities department and the efforts of the high school and college coaches. Field condition in the spring varies depending on the winter weather and the spring rain. There have been occasions through the years when boys’ soccer matches scheduled for the spring have been postponed or moved to the opponents’ site due to condition of the field. The field is much wider than the field at Longview Memorial Stadium. The wideness of the field is well received by most in the soccer community. A proposal to “turf” the field and to utilize the space for soccer and softball as a joint venture by the Longview Public Schools and Lower Columbia College has been brought forward by the AFTF. Using this area for softball is not a new idea. There are blueprints from the 1980’s showing this space having two softball fields located on it. Presently sub-varsity squads play their matches at 7th Avenue Park. This would need to continue unless Northlake had lights added or unless priority #11 came to fruition.

RECOMMENDED UPGRADES The task force is recommending a complex be built at Northlake to accommodate soccer and softball competitions. This will require a fenced perimeter. New fencing around the perimeter of the complex would make it easier to control access and generate revenue by being able to charge for admission to contests.

COST ESTIMATES Northlake Soccer/Softball complex with turf is estimated to cost $1,500,000. The district would need to perform soil testing and have a site survey performed to get a more accurate estimate.

FUNDING SOURCES Possible funding sources for a soccer and softball complex could include partnering with Lower Columbia College and soliciting private donations.

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PRIORITY #5 – DICK MEALY MEMORIAL POOL LOCKER ROOM REMODEL

CONDITION AND USAGE SUMMARY The lockers inside the pool locker room are old and in many cases quite rusty. There are some lockers, where the bottom of the locker has rusted all the way through. As a general rule the lockers in the boys’ locker room are in worse condition than the lockers in the girls’ locker room, however, the girls lockers are in poor condition as well.

RECOMMENDED UPGRADES The task force is recommending the locker rooms at the Dick Mealy Memorial Pool be upgraded including the replacement of lockers, restroom facilities, showers and flooring.

COST ESTIMATES Remodeling the men’s and women’s locker rooms at the Dick Mealy Memorial Pool is estimated to cost $250,000 and would include new lockers, restrooms, showers, and flooring.

FUNDING SOURCES The task force is recommending the district upgrade the lockers and surfaces inside the locker rooms using the Capital Project Fund.

PRIORITY #6 – DICK MEALY MEMORIAL POOL TIMING EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT

CONDITION AND USAGE SUMMARY The present pool timing equipment was purchased from a swim club out of the Portland area. The equipment is adequate; however, it has become dated and is a matter of time before it no longer functions. It should be noted that if it were not for the expert efforts of our swim coaches, the system would not function as well as it presently does.

RECOMMENDED UPGRADES The task force is recommending the timing equipment used for training and competition at the Dick Mealy Memorial Pool be replaced.

COST ESTIMATES Replacing the pool timing equipment at the Dick Mealy Memorial Pool is estimated to cost $19,250 (This will update the outdated equipment that is still being used and maintain the more modern equipment).

FUNDING SOURCES Possible funding sources include contributions from programs or clubs, fund raising and selling advertising space.

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PRIORITY #7 – MARK MORRIS TURF FIELD FOR FOOTBALL AND SOCCER

CONDITION AND USAGE SUMMARY Presently Mark Morris has a grass football field. A lot of time is spent during the summer by both the facilities staff and the football coaching staff in making sure that the field is green and not too hard for the start of the season, which is always the third Wednesday in August. The same holds true of Longview Memorial Stadium. Other nearby districts (Battle Ground and Tumwater) have, within the last three years, added turf fields to their school sites where their main stadium is not located. A turf field would allow soccer to be played on site and the field could be used as another venue for tournaments. On December 15, 2017, the Mark Morris football field was measured from inside lane to inside lane at 208 feet. This is a maximum of 69 yards and 1 foot, which does not allow for any sideline area for teams. Soccer is a sport like volleyball and basketball where both team benches are on the same side. If 19 feet were taken from the south side for team benches and 9 feet were taken from the north side for space between the track and the out of bounds area, the field would be 60 yards wide. This configuration is not as wide as is recommended or desirable by most, but is 5 yards wider than the WIAA minimum.

RECOMMENDED UPGRADES It is recommended the existing football field at Mark Morris be upgraded to a multi-use synthetic turf designed to meet WIAA regulations to accommodate soccer and football competitions.

RESEARCH When discussing artificial turf versus grass playing fields it is essential to understand there are many factors that need to be addressed when picking one over the other. First of all, a geographic location and consequent weather patterns have a significant impact on which is best for our athletes. Due to the heavy rainfall in Longview (49 inches per year), providing our athletes and community with an artificial field would allow them to play year round. Also, consideration must be given to the resources available to maintain both an artificial turf field versus a grass field. The most important factor, however, is the safety of student-athletes that are competing on these surfaces which will be discussed below.

COST/USE AND AVAILABILITY In the Pacific Northwest, Fall and Spring seasons typically are very wet which can make it difficult to keep grass fields in safe condition. When properly installed with the correct drain system, artificial turf is safe to play on even after heavy rainfall. Therefore, if the field(s) are artificial, the capability to generate revenue can be from sunrise to 10:00 pm (if the field has lights). This would also satisfy the demand for practice space. The turf field can be played on for approximately 10 years before needing to be replaced if properly maintained.

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The initial cost of artificial turf can appear expensive, and a plan for the replacement of the artificial surface approximately every 10 years would need to be created. The potential savings due to decreased maintenance requirements throughout the life of the artificial turf should go towards replacement costs. Below is an example that breakdowns potential cost differences between artificial turf and the resodding of a grass field:

SAFETY When discussing the safety element of the differences between artificial turf and natural grass some of the data is misleading because a high percentage of fields are currently artificial turf across the nation. A 2011 study found a higher frequency of ankle injuries on turf for football, soccer, and rugby players (Calligaro, 2016). However, a 2010 study on college football players and a 2013 study on female college soccer players showed a higher frequency of all injuries on grass fields over turf (Calligaro, 2016). According to John

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Brenkus (host of Sports Science on ESPN), turf reduces the risk for injury by over 10% (Calligaro, 2016). An essential product that must be considered to decrease head injuries, specifically concussions, is the underlying pad. Research from a Chicago area high school shows that having new technology absorbing pads have proven to reduce the number of concussions in young athletes. Gmax is the measure of how much force the surface absorbs and in return, how much is returned to the athlete. Recent improvements in reducing the Gmax rating of artificial surfaces has mitigated the concerns of increased injuries caused by artificial turf surfaces. The recommended Gmax for any playing surface is 90 – 110 Gs. The new padding systems register 90 – 100 Gs consistently throughout the playing field. Should the district choose to install artificial surfaces, surface Gmax ratings of between 90-100Gs are recommended. In addition to head injuries, studies have shown that anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries occur more frequently in football than any other sport. Research done on high school football players showed that artificial turf reduces ACL injuries by 43%. There has been concern publicly expressed regarding the possibility that the use of crumb rubber in the installation of artificial turf may increase athlete’s risk of contracting cancer. According to an article written by Alisa Hrustic and published on February 1, 2017 in Men’s Health Magazine, the University of Washington’s School of Public Health and the Washington State Department of Health investigated the connection between soccer players and cancer to see if an unusual pattern had developed. “After comparing the cancer rate among the soccer players included in the study to Washington’s cancer rate among residents of similar ages, they concluded it was actually less than what they expected.” Hrustic also concluded, “Out of more than 100 studies that have been done in the past, no evidence confirms that contact with or ingestion of crumb rubber increases cancer risk, researchers say. Much more extensive research needs to be done to determine whether or not these chemicals could end up in your bloodstream.” Upon completion of this study, the Washington State Department of Health stated that it, “Recommends that people who enjoy soccer continue to play regardless of the type of field surface.”

There are numerous factors that go into the discussion of which is more beneficial to athletes. The benefits mentioned above as well as the benefits of playing on a smooth, even playing surface address the essential elements to the benefits of artificial turf when compared to natural grass. Additionally, available research has not found increased risk of injuries and illness for athletes competing on artificial turf.

REFERENCES Babic, K. (2016, January 20). Synthetic (Artificial) Turf vs. Natural Grass Fields. Retrieved

December 27, 2017, from https://unrulysports.com/synthetic-artificial-turf-vs-natural-grass-fields/

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Calligaro, A. M. (2016, September 8). SiOWfa16: Science in Our World: Certainty and Controversy. Retrieved December 27, 2017, from http://sites.psu.edu/siowfa16/2016/09/08/grass-vs-turf-which-is-safer/ Hrustic, A. (2017, February 1). Men’s Health: Did Artificial Give More Than 200 Soccer Players Cancer? Retrieved March 17, 2018, from https://www.menshealth.com/health/artificial-turf-cancer-risk Washington State Department of Health, Synthetic Turf and Crumb Rubber: Investigation of Reported Cancer among Soccer Players in Washington State. Retrieved March 17, 2018, from https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Schools/EnvironmentalHealth/SyntheticTurf

FUNDING SOURCES Possible funding sources could include private donations and the sale of advertising space.

PRIORITY #8 – LONGVIEW MEMORIAL STADIUM VISITORS BLEACHERS

CONDITION AND USAGE SUMMARY The long standing bleachers on the north side, commonly referred to as the visitors’ side of Longview Memorial Stadium were removed at the start of the 2016 football season. Presently there are some portable bleachers located on the visitor side. The former grandstand had to be torn down due to safety concerns in the Fall of 2016. These portable bleachers are not high enough for adequate sightlines to the field of play and are located towards the end zones on the west and east ends of the visitors side. It’s been noted that each time these bleachers are moved to another facility and then moved back to the stadium for the football season that the bleachers become subject to “wear and tear”. Historically attendance at football games is such that bleachers on the visitor side are not always needed. However, they are a necessity when the two Longview high schools play each other and when either R.A. Long or Mark Morris hosts Kelso in football. When looking to purchase bleachers for the visitors side a recommendation would be to have the bleachers go higher rather than wider. This would improve the sightlines to the field of play for spectators. For example a 20 row bleacher going from the 40 yard to the 40 yard line would be preferable over a 12 row bleacher going from the 25 yard line to the 25 yard line.

RECOMMENDED UPGRADES The task force is recommending that permanent visitor bleachers be built to replace the bleachers that were removed in 2016. It is estimated the bleachers would need to seat a minimum of 500 people.

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COST ESTIMATE FOR 500 SEAT BLEACHER The Longview Memorial Stadium Visitor Side Bleachers without a cover/roof is estimated to cost $71,832 and could accommodate 503 seats, six of which would be ADA accessible. There will be an additional cost for this project to remove the concrete pad and locker rooms and prep the site if the project is not completed when the field and track are replaced.

COST ESTIMATE FOR 1,500 SEAT BLEACHER (BASED ON RECENT PROJECT AT HOCKINSON SD)

Hockinson School District recently installed a grandstand and provided cost estimates for the project they funded – see below for a cost estimate if a 1,500 seat bleacher was installed.

37' Tall at the Back side; 41' Tall at the front side; 172' wide seating area, all bleachers covered; 17 Rows

Purchase & Install: $750,000 (Included Tax) for our Bleachers, Included Roof, ADA Ramp and Stair.

Footings: $60,000 (Included all Over-X we had to do for soft soils) Permits & Fees: $5,000 Lighting: $40,000 - $80,000 (All depends on what type of lighting system you

want) Improvements around the Bleacher area: $20,000 Rain Drains from Roof/Tie into

underground to Storm Drains; Grading and Walkways/Asphalts Engineering for Footings and Bleachers included in the $750,000 price tag above Geo Tech Engineer: $5,000-$10,000 to do a study of soils, water tables,

compaction, etc., that will need to be done before ordering bleachers so The Bleacher company knows how to engineer the Bleachers per the soils that are existing.

Special Inspection 3rd Party: $10,000 Total project cost = $890,000 to $935,000.

FUNDING SOURCES The task force is recommending the district seek private donations and/or sell naming rights to fund the bleachers.

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PRIORITY #9 – MARK MORRIS BASEBALL SCOREBOARD

CONDITION AND USAGE SUMMARY The present Mark Morris baseball scoreboard was purchased from Lower Columbia College (surplus sale). It is quite dated, but is not in as bad of condition as the scoreboard at Longview Memorial Stadium. Keeping all of the lights to stay illuminated during the entire season is problematic. The light bulbs are expensive and have a tendency to burn out quickly. There may be vendors willing to offer a discount if a stadium scoreboard and baseball field scoreboard are purchased at the same time.

RECOMMENDED UPGRADES The task force is recommending the scoreboard at the Mark Morris varsity field be replaced with a 7 ft x 25 ft scoreboard.

COST ESTIMATES

Replacing the Mark Morris baseball scoreboard with a like sized scoreboard is estimated to cost

$22,053. If a larger scoreboard is selected, it would cost more.

FUNDING SOURCES The task force is recommending the district sell advertising space, seek donations and provide contractual exclusivity to a sponsor.

PRIORITY #10 – MARK MORRIS OUTDOOR SEATING FOR BASEBALL FIELDS

CONDITION AND USAGE SUMMARY During the 2016 season some additional bleachers were brought in to the Mark Morris baseball field. The venue still could use two additional fifty seat bleachers, one along the first base line and one along the third base line of the varsity field. Perhaps if visitor side bleachers were purchased at Longview Memorial Stadium some of the bleachers temporarily used at the stadium could be located at the Mark Morris baseball field. With some blue and red paint, and some general maintenance these bleachers would work well. This could possibly enable some funds to be diverted to either capping both backstops or putting some netting between the JV and Varsity fields. Errant fly balls going over the backstop from one field to another has always been problematic on the Mark Morris campus. This issue does not happen at R.A. Long due to the fact it only has one baseball field.

RECOMMENDED UPGRADES The task force is recommending the installation of 250 seats/bleachers around the Mark Morris baseball fields. It is additionally recommended that new fencing around the

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perimeter of the fields be installed which would make it easier to control access and generate revenue by being able to charge for admission to contests.

COST ESTIMATES Outdoor seating for the Mark Morris baseball complex would cost $27,000 for the varsity and junior varsity fields. The varsity field bleachers would be around $15,000 and the JV field bleachers would cost around $12,000. The breakdown of the cost would include hiring a local contractor to install two concrete pads for each set of bleachers, and to purchase and assemble pre-designed bleachers with guardrails that seat 70 spectators each.

FUNDING SOURCES Possible funding sources could include district funding, private donations and/or the selling of naming rights.

PRIORITY #11 – MARK MORRIS OUTDOOR SEATING FOR FOOTBALL FIELD

CONDITION AND USAGE SUMMARY Presently there are three bleachers approximately 20 feet long and 4 rows high available for spectators at Mark Morris’ sub-varsity football games and track meets. A set of bleachers that could accommodate 180 spectators would be a welcome addition to the Mark Morris campus. Please note that if priority #1 were to occur and priority #11 were not to occur; Mark Morris would look to host some if not all sub-varsity football games at Longview Memorial Stadium. This would be an opportunity for some additional revenue and many parents would welcome a 6:00 kickoff over a 4:00 kickoff.

RECOMMENDED UPGRADES The task force is recommending the installation of 180 seats/bleachers around the Mark Morris football field.

COST ESTIMATES Outdoor bleachers for the Mark Morris football field is estimated to cost $20,100. This would include pouring concrete pads and placing bleachers to accommodate 180 spectators. (Local contractor to install two concrete pads – purchase and assemble two pre-designed bleachers with guardrails which seat 90 spectators each)

FUNDING SOURCES Possible funding sources could include district money and private donations.

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Other Considerations

OTHER NEEDS THAT RANKED AS HIGH PRIORITIES INCLUDED: New lighting* at Memorial Stadium

New Grandstand at Memorial Stadium

Installation of lights* at both the R.A. Long and Mark Morris baseball fields

Installation of turf infields at R.A. Long and Mark Morris baseball fields

Installation of turf softball field at R.A. Long

Installation of irrigation at Mark Morris football field, if it remains a grass field.

Construction of an indoor facility for year round training purposes. Consider a low cost metal building for this purpose.

*Improved and additional lighting at our facilities will expand our availability for usage, increasing access for our

student athletes while also increasing community use opportunities which hold promise for increased revenue

creation.