Multipurpose field completion delayed
Installation of the new multipurpose field at Western Washington University has been delayed until spring quarter, due to workers encountering more rock than anticipated in the field and bleacher areas, coupled with weather and temperature requirements for installation of the pad/artificial turf, university officials said.
Removal of the rock caused the construction to progress slower than originally anticipated. The unavoidable slower pace of the construction meant that installation of the poured-in-place rubber pad and Astro turf, both weather- and temperature-sensitive activities, could not be accomplished before the fall rains and cooler temperatures arrived.
The university, in consultation with the engineers for the field as well as the turf installation contractor, has determined it is in the best interest of the project to accept a delay in the date for the installation of the turf. Depending on weather, university officials are currently anticipating the field being complete some time during next spring quarter.
Use of the adjacent softball field for practices and home games for Western’s softball team will not be affected. There will be no activity on the new field until sometime during spring quarter, at the earliest. WWU Athletics and Campus Recreation representatives are in communication with project managers regarding relocation and contingency planning for practices, home games, camps, etc. for intercollegiate soccer, rugby and other sport clubs, intramural activities and general recreation. More information will be shared with the campus when a more definitive timeline is known in later winter quarter or early spring quarter.
The south campus project includes construction of an all-weather artificial turf field, bleachers, restroom facilities, field lighting, electrical service, utilities and associated facilities. A $1 million gift from Western alumnus Scott Harrington and his family helped begin the process of building the modern new multipurpose athletic and intramural field at WWU. The WWU Board of Trustees unanimously approved a motion to name the field in honor of Scott’s father, the late Robert Harrington, in recognition of the family’s gift. The field will be formally known as Robert S. Harrington Field. Students are funding a major portion of the project cost through the existing student recreation fee budget.