Turf-It, the weather-delayed project that has left the fenced-off fields of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School barren, will begin in several weeks, transforming both the football and soccer fields with artificial turf.    

"The Turf-It project is predicted to begin in early March, once the equipment and construction plans are signed off on," said Anthony Del Sordi, business administrator for the board of education. The process began in December when an architect drew up plans for the actual construction. "The contractors are putting together the 'shop drawings' that they must submit to the board of education for approval before they can begin digging up the field," said Del Sordi.

In preparation for the work to be done, the company has removed the metal fencing surrounding the track and brought in some of the equipment that will be needed. Until there is a period of five days without precipitation and a temperature exceeding 50 degrees, contractors cannot begin digging up the field.

  Assuming that the work will begin in early March, the construction is estimated to take until the end of June. The actual field, with new turf, will not be used until late August, however, when the fall sports teams begin practice.

In the short term, the only team that will be affected by the construction is spring track. Robert Harmer, athletic director at the high school, is already rescheduling practices and meets at neighboring schools.

Despite the school board's position that there is a possibility of an incomplete field driving graduation indoors, Principal David Heisey, Ed.D., maintains, "It could still be under construction, but we are confident that graduation will be held on the field."