BARTLETT — Bartlett High School cut the ribbon on its new multimillion-dollar practice field Sept. 16.
The 110-yard turf field is squeezed between the school grounds and Blackwell Street. It is shaded by a massive awning, allowing the Panthers to stay safe from the elements while maximizing efficiency.
“We only had this one practice field, so at some point it was getting so much wear; it needed to be turfed,” Bartlett City Schools Superintendent David Stephens said. “The thought was, let’s really dream big and see if we can cover it.”
The project cost approximately $5.3 million, but when Stephens saw covered practice facilities on a trip to Texas, he knew it was what Bartlett High
School needed.
“We could’ve done it smaller,” Stephens said. “But our thought was, let’s go ahead and make it as big as we possibly can. It’s going to cost a little bit more money, but I think for the long-term investment for the community, it’s going to be great.”
Bartlett-based Chris Woods Construction Co. was the contractor for the project, while Memphis-based 4FDesign is the architecture firm.
Michael Winters, a managing partner at 4FDesign, said its previous projects with Collierville and Briarcrest helped perfect the blueprint.
“We acted as the master planner, the architect and the project manager,” Winters said. “We took all the best things from all the other schools that we learned to put in this facility to make it the best it can be.”
On Sept. 16, the marching band used the turf field shortly before the football team took it in preparation for its first 6A-Region 7 matchup with Houston. The temperature edged up to 100 degrees, but the students remained relatively cool and safe from heat-related issues.
“We’re doing everything we can to try and keep these kids safe,” Stephens said. “And give them the opportunity to compete and be active. Kids in band, theater, arts, clubs — whatever it is, that’s what makes the high school experience important. It gives kids a sense of purpose and belonging.”
Reach The Commercial Appeal's high school writer, Ryan Myers at ryan.myers@commercialappeal.com and on the X platform @RyanMyers_23.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Bartlett High School cuts ribbon on $5.3 million covered outdoor sports practice facility
