Blue Turf Will Replace Natural Grass At Bloom's Sarff Field

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL - An improvement project that broke ground this week at Bloom High School’s Sarff Field includes a plan to add new blue synthetic turf to replace the natural grass. The blue turf will match the school's colors once the project is complete.

The school said in a news release that the turf will retain "the same sport performance and safety" as the natural grass while "eliminating the use of potentially harmful pesticides and fertilizers." Lower maintenance costs were also listed as a reason to make the change.

“We are excited to roll out these upgrades to the field ahead of the next school year," Bloom 206 Superintendent Lenell Navarre said. “Sarff Field has been a key part of Bloom’s history in athletics and continues to be a great place for students and the Chicago Heights community at large to enjoy.”

The new turf will match the school's blue colors. The natural grass will be transplanted into the Bloom courtyard.

Improvements at Bloom athletic facilities will also include a resurfacing of the track and reconstruction of track event areas such as the high jump, long jump, triple jump, shot put and discus areas. The track will be closed throughout the construction of the project, which is expected to be complete by the start of the 2018-19 school year.

The project was paid for in large part by a portion of a grant under the QSCB Program that went to both Bloom Township and Bloom Trail campuses, the news release states. A partnership between Bloom School District 206 and Chicago Heights Mayor David Gonzalez was credited for securing the grant.

Photo: Superintendent Lenell Navarre, Mayor David Gonzalez, Bloom 206 Board President Henry Drake, Athletic Director Joe Reda, Business Manager Ken Korbel and Architect Mario Planera participate in a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday / Photo provided