The $2.5 million Warrior Complex for Manasquan High School approved last week is anticipated to be done after Spring 2014, giving the school district an artificial turf football field, regulation-size track and new concessions.
The first phase of construction is planned for July and August, with the removal of the old bleachers and the building of a retaining wall.
The retaining wall will be placed at a flood hazard zone to alleviate flooding. A nearby creek creates flooding issues on the fields and onto properties on Willow Way. Presenter David Eareckson, of Matrix New World Land Development Services who is providing engineering services, said the project will not intrude upon protected wetlands but will be placed along the buffer to the wetlands. Multiple questions from the public about the retaining wall and the environmental impact were presented at the special meeting on the athletic fields presentation.
Besides the artificial turf, the Warrior Complex project will create a regulation track for competitive running events. Manasquan is the only Monmouth County public school to not have a track that complies with competitive standards, school officials said.
The preparations for the football field and surrounding track will begin after the bleacher and drainage phase, in October.
Then, the installation of those new fields is scheduled for November or December, followed by a spring installation of the track surface and lighting.
Later in the spring, the baseball field at the elementary school will be converted into the new high school baseball field.
The installation of concessions was listed as "to be determined" in the Matrix New World Land Development Services presentation. Officials said opportunities for sponsorships would be possible.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
