Ascension To Upgrade High School Playing Fields

DONALDSONVILLE, La. (AP) — The athletic fields at the four Ascension Parish high schools are getting new attention — and the possibility of artificial turf is moving from just talk to hard research on facts and figures.

The implementation of the renewed effort on the high school athletic fields will cost approximately $517,014 over the fiscal year starting in July.

The Advocate reports the school board voted Tuesday to hire an athletic grounds maintenance employee for each of the four schools, taking some of the burden off volunteers and Booster Club members who help the schools' athletic staffs get playing fields ready for games.

Supervisor of Maintenance Jeff Parent says he cost of installing artificial turf at Donaldsonville, Dutchtown, East Ascension and St. Amant high schools is estimated at $4.8 million.