MACON, Ga. – Beginning May 4, the Austin Childers Field will undergo a complete upgrade. The project will take most of the summer with an expected completion date around August 1.

The scope of the project includes the following:

• The soil is being replaced or amended up to 8 inches deep to establish a new base with less compaction.
• Establish new 1% subgrade on the field surface, basically eliminating the existing drainage sloped crown.
• Install a fully automated Irrigation system with 6 zones – no heads on the playing field.
• Remove and replace existing drain grates with new settings to the new field grade.
• Replace the playing surface and the D zones with Certified 419 Bermuda.
• Install 2 new gooseneck High School Aluminum goal posts with 25’ uprights and a 6’ offset.

“We’ve done a great job of maintaining the playing surface in our stadium for nearly 30 years. The last re-surface work was done in 1985,” said FPD Athletic Director Greg Moore. “But, like so many things, there comes a time when it’s best to renovate, and we’ve reached that time. The demands in our stadium go beyond just our football program. Track & Field, Lacrosse, Soccer, and Physical Education classes all enjoy the facility and playing surface, so I’m glad to be able to say that this project will impact a very large number of our students when it’s completed.”

The project is being funded by way of private funding from friends of the school, parents, and many alumni football players who share in our desire to provide a first-class facility for our programs in the effort to provide a top-notch experience for our students.

“I just can’t say enough about how grateful we are for the overwhelming response to the presentation of the project. It’s been really encouraging to see the excitement that so many friends, parents, and alumni have for what we’re doing here,” commented Moore.

The First Presbyterian Day School Department of Athletics strives to build the student athlete both in the playing arena and the classroom while upholding the school’s mission statement to educate and equip students to change the world for God’s glory. For more information, visit www.fpdvikings.com and sign up for up-to-the-minute news and scores by following the Vikings on Twitter at @FPDVikingSports.