NHS football field gets new turf

For the first time in its 50-year history, Niwot High School will be able to host a varsity football game at the school this fall.

"We should have it ready by the end of August," Athletic Director Joe Brown said. The grass turf on what has until now been used solely as a practice field by the NHS varsity has been removed, and work has begun on installation of new artificial turf.

Last summer, lights were installed at the field, and the artificial turf will allow the school to host football and soccer games, both boys and girls, in Niwot. Until now, home football games and some home soccer games have been held at Everly-Montgomery Field in Longmont next to Longmont High School. The Niwot High field has been used for JV and freshman football games, but never for a varsity football game.

The plan is to play Niwot's homecoming game on Friday, Sept. 9, at the revamped field under the lights. Brown said, "We are excited about it. This will give the community more opportunities to see us. We want to have events downtown after the game. We view this as not just a homecoming, but a town-building opportunity. One of our goals this year is to build community. The plan is to play one game a year for now, with a parade and other events downtown."

Brown also noted that the homecoming week would also include the 50-year Niwot High class reunion. "It's going to be a heck of a week. We're packing the hill, we're going old school. Bring your lawn chairs, bring your blankets. We think this will be a great shot in the arm for our football program, and draw more kids to participate."

The Niwot boys soccer team will also play a home game under the lights during homecoming week on Wednesday, Sept. 7.

The decision to install artificial turf came about for a number of reasons. "The artificial turf is going to allow us to utilize our fields longer and more efficiently," Brown said. "Being water conscious is important." The turf will be much easier to maintain than grass. Brown said the district spent a lot of time evaluating the turf, and found that the safety ratings were similar to those for grass fields. "The turf is environmentally friendly, and the new material keeps the turf cooler," he said.

The new lights have been in use for the past year. Brown said there were a few phone calls and emails last year from nearby residents concerned about light pollution. "We used the lights for track last spring. After we turned them on, there is virtually no light pollution due to the new lighting technology," Brown said, and there have been no negative feedback.

Funding for the project came from earnings on funds held by the St. Vrain Valley School District for capital construction projects. During construction, summer workouts for football, track and other athletes have shifted to the soccer fields below the school.