The North Salem Tigers’ turf is expanding. 

The space behind the high school has undergone a dramatic transformation in the last few months. Trees have been cleared, rocks have been blasted, and half the field was raised by 14 feet to literally level the playing field. Crews are currently filling in the concrete perimeter with additional dirt, and then the turf carpet will be installed on top. 

To keep the field dry and increase playable time, a nearly complete drainage system will direct water into a retention pond to contain runoff water. Floodlights and the scoreboard supports have been installed, and the bleachers, press box, and other amenities will soon follow. To assist with the game day crowds, new bathrooms seamlessly blend into the existing building next to the high school gymnasium.

Inside the building, there are 14 new granular activated carbon and greensand filters that will work together to remove perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and minerals, such as iron and manganese, from the campus well water. The underground water storage tank was cleaned and disinfected and had new fittings and pipes installed.

The facilities team is conducting water quality tests. When the system achieves repeated satisfactory results as proven by submitting the samples for laboratory tests, then the Westchester County Department of Health will conduct a final inspection of the system. 

The turf field and water filtration projects are projected to be completed by late fall.

Upstairs in the world language wing, the upgraded heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) project is also nearing completion. Supply issues have delayed the arrival of the unit ventilators that will provide improved air filtration and energy-efficient temperature control. In the meantime, the facilities team has accomplished all the other parts, running new air vents through the hallways and class ceilings. Once the final components arrive, they will be installed overnight to avoid disrupting classes. 

The high school guidance office also received an upgrade. A dividing wall was removed, a desk relocated, and wood flooring replaced the carpet to make the space more open and inviting, just like the guidance counselors themselves. The hallway outside the guidance office also has a new tile floor and walls to prevent further damage after a minor flood last spring.