A turf expert who previously gave a presentation previously gave a presentation about the benefits and drawbacks of natural and synthetic turf to the Vashon school board will give another presentation to members of the public on Thursday, Oct. 6.

Dave Anderson, principal engineer at Seattle’s D.A. Hogan & Associates — a firm responsible for turf projects such as CenturyLink Field and both natural and artificial fields at multiple Division I universities and high schools — will speak about turf options for Vashon High School’s (VHS) field. Vashon’s school board is in the midst of planning for a second bond to fund the replacement of some of the high school’s athletic facilities, including the high school track and field. No decisions about the type of turf that will be used at the school have been made. The Thursday meeting is informational, and members of the public will be able to ask questions of Anderson and the school board.

Anderson has been with D.A. Hogan & Associates since 1986. He has designed more than 100 sand-based natural turf sports fields and another 100 synthetic turf fields. He is also a founding member of the Synthetic Turf Council.

The district’s first attempt to pass a bond — a $26.9 million proposition that included replacing the high school’s track and field with synthetic surfaces — failed last October, and many islanders began to voice concerns about the decision to use synthetic turf. This is the first public presentation of multiple information sessions that are expected to be held through November in an attempt to discuss options and priorities prior to making decisions regarding a bond proposal.

The board has not determined a date for a final proposal or for a bond election. This event is for public information only, and no board action will occur.

— Anneli Fogt