WATERTOWN – On Monday, February 6th, the Watertown School Committee gave its approval for the City of Watertown to proceed with replacing the turf at Victory Field. The current turf was installed 12 years ago, which Athletic Director Ryan Murphy says is generally the life-span of that type of turf.

A material called crumb rubber is currently used on the turf, which is made from recycled tires. A new, organic material derived from wood called BrockFILL will be used when the turf is replaced this June. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Dede Galdston says that the BrockFILL will make the turf as much as 20-degrees cooler during the warm months. Surrounding communities, including Belmont, are using BrockFILL on its turf field.

The City Council will conduct a first reading of an order to allocate $1.5 million for the turf replacement on February 14th.

Construction is expected to begin in June and end before the start of the 2023 fall season. Murphy added that the track & field portion of Victory Field will not be renovated until 2024.

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