By Chris Villani

The lifespan of artificial turf is very predictable. The surface will start to wear out after 10 years and, with good care, might last an additional year or two beyond that. 

Milford Athletic Director Peter Boucher was pleased to see the school district and the town plan accordingly, and save up to complete the turf replacement in time for the fall season.

“Nobody plans like Milford, I mean that,” Boucher said. “The powers-that-be in the town and the district really collaborated and put aside some money each year so we could resurface the track and the field at the same time.”

The new field turf was ready in time for the start of the soccer and football seasons, and features bright, crisp lines for the various sports and striking red end zones.

“We are really, really excited,” Boucher said. “You walk into the facility and it’s a three-letter word, ‘wow.’ It’s really impressive. Milford doesn’t do ‘average things,’ they want the best for their kids.”

The new surface means a more predictable game and practice schedule for Milford teams, since the field conditions will not be a factor even when it rains. Boucher said the MIAA has already reached out about using Milford to host neutral site playoff games this year. Milford High may also be hosting softball tournament games with lights set to be installed on the field adjacent to the football and soccer field.

“Fino has lights and now the girls have lights too,” Boucher said. “We will host some night games on senior night and hopefully some playoff games, and we are planning on Milford being in those playoff games.”

The new field, which will also welcome field hockey along with youth sports when not in use by the high school, will have a similar 10-to-12 year lifespan, Boucher said. 

The company that installed the turf, the aptly-named FieldTurf, is particularly proud of the Milford project, the AD added, and has showcased the project on its website along with turf from some of the most well-known stadiums in the country, from Gillette Stadium, MetLife, and Ford Field in the NFL to college venues at Michigan, Notre Dame, and Syracuse, among others.

“I wish more towns would do it,” Boucher said. “We are really fortunate.”

The track is not needed until the spring season but is expected to be completed in October.