Hafer Field resurfaced with Artificial Turf

As recently as January, many residents noticed significant activity and changes being made to Hafer Field. In an effort to secure answers, I recently chatted with Bristow Public School’s Coach Brett Jones. He provided the following information and insight into those changes.

In 2019, citizens of Bristow passed a school bond. That bond provided for the resurfacing of Hafer Field from natural grass to artificial turf along with other school improvement projects. The resurfacing was chosen in part for safety and aesthetic permanency purposes.

Why turf? Coach Jones said “Turf has become very affordable, low maintenance, and a viable surface that stands up to weather and normal wear and tear. Most high schools have made the switch to an artificial surface. In our football district (3A-4) we were the only school that had a grass field.” With many residents also concerned about the heavy equipment involved in the field’s resurfacing damaging the track, Coach Jones also noted that the same bond providing for the field renovations also provides for the construction of a brand new track.

Given that the Bristow High School graduation typically takes place at Hafer Field, many wondered if the turf installation will be complete by graduation on May 11. Coach Jones stated that the field is scheduled be completed by May 1, weather and circumstances permitting, and that graduation remains scheduled for Hafer Field. Construction of the new track will begin sometime after graduation, but Coach Jones did not know the timeline for its renovation and completion.

As sod from Hafer Field was removed, the Pirate Quarterback Club sold strips to anyone hoping to preserve the historic surface. All proceeds benefited the club; however, Coach Jones did not know how much money was made via the sod’s sale or what happened to the remaining sod once the club ceased sales. City of Bristow Public Works employees responsible for maintaining the town’s parks hoped to receive some of the sod for placement on the southern end of Lake Massena after its own repairs to prevent premature erosion. Coach Jones was unaware if any sod was provided to the city for that purpose or how much might have been donated.

When describing the benefits of having an artificial turf field surface, Coach Jones expressed excitement at being able to utilize the field during any weather conditions with permanently marked lines and hashes. He said “It will be easy to prepare and teach our players the various parts of the field for schematic reasons without the labor of painting the field. Markings will be permanent without any additional maintenance required. The aesthetics of having a fully painted and marked field year round [sic] will also add to the beauty of the stadium.”

Additionally, he noted that the new surface constructed by AstroTurf will provide players and athletes the “best footing and traction while also lessening the chance of injuries.” Further, he expressed the players’ sentiments about the newly renovated field, saying “I think they are excited about the quality, beauty, and availability the new surface will provide.” In the coming months, coaches, athletes, cheerleaders, and band members will step onto the new field for the first time. The community looks forward to seeing the new field in action this fall but will receive their first opportunity soon as it hosts BHS upcoming graduation.