Washington Technology Magnet: Athletic field Improvements - Completed spring 2022

Scope of Work

Multi-sports field with artificial turf

Pole-mounted lighting

8-lane track

Discus, shot put, and long jump areas

Resurfaced tennis courts

Grass practice field
 

Timeline (subject to change)

May 2020: Break ground on new field

Summer 2020: Tennis courts resurfaced; not useable over summer

September 2020: Track completed 

November 2020: Artificial turf/new athletic surfaces completed including long jump 

Spring 2021: Shot put and discus areas useable again

Fall 2020: Seeding of practice field but not available for use until spring 2022

Spring 2022: Seeding complete and grass practice field usable

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When will the new field be available to use?

The grass practice field will be out of operation from May 2020 to spring 2022. Construction on the new field will break ground in May 2020 and be installed over the summer. The field will then be seeded in the fall of 2020; it will take 18 months for the new sod to be established. Taking fall and winter seasons into account, that means the new field will be open spring 2022. (The artificial turf will be completed summer/fall of 2020 and usable once the 8-lane track is completed.)

2. Why are the softball fields being taken out?

With a City-owned softball complex located so close to the school across Rice Street (Rice and Arlington Field), it was decided that converting the area currently occupied by the school’s softball field would be better served to make way for a competition, multi-sport field that includes an 8-lane track; discus, shot put, and long jump areas; newly seeded practice field; along with the resurfaced tennis courts. 

3. Will the new field have bright lights?

The new athletic field will have LED directional field lighting to illuminate the field during events, but the lights will only remain on during events. The field lights will be ready for use in spring 2021.

4. What will be done to minimize noise and dust?

While the complete elimination of noise and dust is not feasible, measures will be taken to reduce noise and dust as much as is practical by separating construction zones from work spaces, parking areas and walking paths.

5. How much of the field and other green space around the school be available during this project?

The entire green area and current athletic field around the school will be fenced off from May 2020 to spring 2022 as outlined in red in the image below.

Community members who use the field during non-school hours are encouraged to use other nearby fields during construction. Fields, parks and recreation centers are easy to find through the City of St. Paul’s Park Finder.

Click image for larger view: