Katherine Johnson field cost and Willard Sherwood Center prompt close review as commission weighs school projects

Commissioners at the Nov. 24 work session singled out school projects in the proposed CIP, focusing on the high cost of converting fields at Katherine Johnson Middle School to synthetic turf and the status of the Willard Sherwood Center senior/community facility.

Staff said the Katherine Johnson project is expensive partly because engineers anticipate a need to excavate substantial construction fill and debris beneath the existing fields, which raises the cost of preparing a base suitable for synthetic turf. "Part of the issue with the Katherine Johnson Field is a really substantial predicted need to excavate a tremendous amount of construction fill and debris that's under the surface," Commissioner Rice said, explaining why the project estimate is multiple times higher than a typical turf conversion.

Commissioners asked staff to provide department‑level technical detail and cost breakdowns for the project, and suggested inviting school division or facilities staff to a future meeting for questions about scope and alternatives, including value engineering or alternative funding sources such as booster groups or grants.

The Willard Sherwood Center also drew discussion. Commissioner Rice said the center has been part of planning for years, has regional partner support, and that renovating Green Acres to meet ADA and program needs would cost about as much as building Sherwood. He said he plans to recommend continuing the Sherwood Center project.

Staff and commissioners agreed to request additional project briefings on both Katherine Johnson and Sherwood, and to consider prioritization during upcoming CIP deliberations.