Greener Grass: NCS to Install New Turf Fields

Encouraged by generous initial contributions from several NCS families, the NCS community joined in an effort this spring to raise the needed funds for synthetic turf fields. Contributors included the student-led Environmental Action Group (EAG), which supports the project because synthetic turf reduces the need for water and chemicals to maintain the field, making it an environmentally-responsible choice.

Turf project work will begin on NCS’ Lower Field on May 21 [after sports have concluded] and will take approximately six weeks (May 21-June 29). Sod will be removed, ground graded, drainage added, and a “carpet” of turf will be laid down. The turf will also be in-filled with a sand/rubber mix. This work will not raise or lower the level of the fields. Work on the Upper Field will begin around June 18 and also take approximately six weeks (June 18-July 31).

“Thanks to the generosity of our community, this turf project will give our athletes a chance to train and play on top-quality fields. It definitely will enhance our soccer, field hockey, softball, and lacrosse programs,” said Athletics and Physical Education Director Heather Dent. “We are very grateful to everyone who accepted the challenge to raise the needed funds in a short space of time. We are closing in on our goal and look forward to a successful conclusion to this mini-campaign,” said Head of School Kathleen O’Neill Jamieson, who noted, “September 2012 marks the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Athletic Center; this is a great way of celebrating this milestone.”

Since Beauvoir School is also engaged in a project to renovate its playground this summer, NCS and Beauvoir are working closely together to coordinate construction traffic and to ensure the safety of students and visitors.

Please note that Beauvoir Road will be closed from June 8-18, 2012 so that Beauvoir can make temporary changes to the roads around the school. When those changes are completed, cars will be directed to travel only in one direction, up Beauvoir Road and to exit via South Road to Woodley. (See map by clicking here.)

No cars are allowed to drop-off or pick-up at the Athletic Center (AC) or on Woodley Road. The Washington Ballet Camp, which runs in the AC and Carriage House from June 25 to July 20, will have pick-up and drop-off at the North Circle of the Close; students will be walked to and from the AC by adults. Children attending Headfirst Summer Camp in the Athletic Center will be dropped off and picked up at St. Albans and be escorted to and from the AC by adults.