Kirksville R-III is designed to replace aging turf and provides future improvements for athletics

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – The Kirksville R-III School District has begun replacing the turf on its soccer field.

The original turf at Spainhower Field was installed in the summer of 2012.

The planned life expectancy was ten years, but it is currently in its 13th year.

The school board unanimously agreed to begin the planning process for replacing the turf on Wednesday.

It is estimated that replacing the turf will cost approximately $550,000.

Dr. Jeremy Houser, president of the Kirksville School Board, said the new turf is great for the future of the district because it is safer and offers a variety of uses.

“Newer material would be safer,” said Dr. Houser. “With all these artificial turf fields, there is an argument about whether or not they are safer than natural grass, natural grass. But we look beyond that. We want safety, but we also need use in rainy situations for various sports.” Not just football. This is a multi-purpose field for football and activities for young children.

In the future, the school authorities also want to consider modernizing the athletics department.