New Turf, Fences, Lights, Parking Lots Proposed for City Schools

Staff and council hope to replace heating and air systems, field house lights and synthetic turf at city schools in the next five years.

Fairfax City's proposed Capital Improvements Project for fiscal years 2012-2016 call for $1.6 million in school renovations.

The ongoing plan offers a timeline of major public improvements based on predictions of city revenue from taxes, real estate, licenses, permits, fees and state/federal aid. While the plan includes inflation revenues, it does not account for tax increases.

City council and staff review the plan every year and make changes as needed. The plan will be finalized in late April with the adoption of the FY 2012 budget.

Here's a look at some of the school projects proposed in this year's version of the five-year plan:

• Replace all HVAC (air condition and heat unit switches as needed) in Daniels Run and Providence elementary schools.
• Repair roofs, concrete and parking areas at Daniels Run and Providence.
• Replace the lights at the Fairfax High School field house. These lights are 38 years old and cannot be repaired.
• Increase contingency fund for school projects by at least 10 percent.

Other school-related projects not factored into the $1.6 million total include:

• Replace synthetic turf at FHS.
• Build a synthetic turf field at Lanier Middle School.
• Reconfigure Daniels Run field No. 1.
• Install new lights at Providence to reduce "light spill" on nearby residences.
• Replace fencing at Providence athletic fields.
• Irrigate all five Providence athletic fields.
• Repair the Providence athletic field shed. The secure shed holds baseball and softball equipment for local sports organizations. It needs work on the roof structure, bricks, interior, electric systems and doors.
• Replace stone with asphalt at common areas in Providence's athletic fields. The current stone structures wash out during storms.

Check back for information on other city improvement proposals.