FOOTHILL HIGH SCHOOL
Bakersfield, CA
PROJECT DETAILS
Sod Variety: Overseeded Tifway
Cut: Big Roll
Square Footage: Approx. 98,000 Sq. Ft.
Timeframe: 3 Days
Farm: A-G Sod Farms – Fresno
Recently, A-G Sod Farms – Fresno had the opportunity to work with the Kern High School District, and the Foothill High School Trojans to re-sod their athletic stadium. The results were transformative!
Constructed in 1962, the high school began extensive, and much needed, renovations in 2019. Slowed by the pandemic, one of the last of the renovations to be completed was the athletic field.
The project featured overseeded Tifway, a versatile hybrid Bermuda. Tifway is known for its resistance to disease, and its ability to tolerate close mowing. One of its biggest advantages is that it is a water-conservative variety, which is essential in California’s Central Valley region.
In just three days, the A-G installation crew laid approximately 98,000 sq. ft. of sod using “Big Rolls” of up to 400 Square foot per roll. Big Rolls are great for projects like this because they drastically cut down installation time and labor. Also, this cut allows for the surface to be utilized more quickly because the size of the roll makes it less susceptible to movement and there are fewer seams.
“We’re just happy to be a part of something that will bring a smile to these athletes faces and get them back on their home field. There’s nothing like playing on newly laid turf” says farm manager, Curtis Blasingame, who oversaw the installation.
The schools’ football, soccer, and track and field teams use the field for their games, but since renovations began, they have been playing at other local stadiums and parks. Now with the pandemic, they are hopeful and excited to get back on their new home field once sports resume.
The project went off without a hitch, resulting in a beautiful and safe natural grass playing surface for these young athletes.
