Upgrade on the field
Render for turf field at new high school provided by school district.
November 11, 2022
The new Owatonna High School is something we have been needing for a long time, which is why Steele County voted to build a new school in 2019. The new high school is being built with many new additions that are a cause for excitement. These include actual air conditioning, new weight room, clean walls with no mold, more basketball courts and an indoor track. One of the biggest things many athletes are excited for are the new turf fields.
Turf fields are artificial grass surfaces made for athletics. They provide a surface that does notrequire as much maintenance compared to natural grass. Even if Owatonna’s sports teams do not end up playing on the turf they still offer the benefit of being able to practice on them for opposing teams who do play on turf. Turf also offers a safer playing environment for Owatonna athletes. Complete Synthetic Turf says, “The reason turf is used for outdoor play and sporting events is that it can maintain its looks better than natural grass. Additionally, turf can protect players from injury, and it’s easier to play on even when it’s wet outside.”
With the new installment of turf opens more opportunities for athletes. Owatonna Activities Director Mr. Marc Achterkirch said, “Artificial turf will allow our teams more access to fields which may otherwise be limited on natural grass with weather conditions especially in the spring seasons. This will also include our PE classes having access to more outdoor spaces. Maintenance is a lot easier for artificial fields as well.” Clearly turf is the right decision for Owatonna and that is why Mr. Achterkirch is fully on board with it.
The benefits turf offers outweighs the problems that can arise if there are any at all. OHS is already getting a new highschool, so they might as well upgrade their fields while they are at it. Even with the addition of turf fields it is not like any of Owatonna’s grass fields are going anywhere.
