Crews currently installing turf fields at SJSD high schools

If you drive down South Noyes Boulevard, you’ll see a tangible piece of the St. Joseph School District’s April 2024 No Tax Increase Bond at work.

Construction is well underway at St. Joseph School District high schools for new turf fields, and eventually track replacements, some of the improvements outlined in last year's Prop St. Joseph Schools.

Central, Benton and Lafayette are all currently in the process of having these facilities improved upon. Out at Central, installation crews with ATG Sports were on site Monday installing what is called a shock pad layering. While there’s still a ways to go before the final product, the completion of these projects is expected to be before the 2025-2026 school year begins. 

For Central and its athletics department, the transition from a natural grass field to turf opens the door for new opportunities. For instance, the girls and boys soccer programs will no longer have its home competitions out at “The Den” located at Bode Middle School just up the road from Central’s campus. 

Facility standards for outdoor competition will now be up to par with a new turf field when comparing Central to the likes of those within the Greater Kansas City Suburban Conference. 

“We are the last of 28 schools to get turf, and we were the only one that had natural grass that was left in the suburban conference,” Central athletic director David Lau said. “So we've been lobbying it for a long time.”

For athletes that will get to enjoy the benefits of the new turf field on campus, Lau says it’s created excitement and anticipation. It’s also piqued the interest of those who are considering joining the school’s football program.

“Sometimes in the past, they shy away from that,” Lau said. “It’s a big opportunity for our school district to show that they’re making an investment in our athletes and what we do around here.”