Highland Elementary Enjoys New Year-Round Turf Field

Where grass would not grow, a new 40,000 sq. ft. turf field has taken its place. On August 24th, during their back-to-school night, Highland’s Principal Peredo unveiled the new field to the community, who upon ribbon cutting, enjoyed running and spending time on it. 

Peredo was joined by members of the  Visalia Unified School District (VUSD) school board, Dr. Randy Villegas and Paul Belt, including Superintendent Shrum who said, “I am proud of our partnership with ELOP, who made this project possible. I am proud of our staff for all of their hard work and dedication to completing this project for the start of the new school year. I know this space is an incredible asset to our Highland community, and this field will be used for years to come.”

The field was funded through VUSD facility funds and the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), a statewide after-school program. Students can now use the field all year long, including during the hot summer months, as the field is kept cool with corn husk infill and a water system that runs throughout. The field is also being utilized by new physical education instructors, funded through Proposition 28.

“Our entire community is excited about all of the fun activities and sports that will take place on this field. Our families are excited to come and enjoy games during and after school. The turf has added a few thousand square feet of playing area that was unusable, so we’re very proud to have this available for our students,” said Principal Jessica Peredo.