WRENTHAM - As part of the multi-million dollar renovation and expansion of King Philip Regional High School, plans include installing an $800,000 artificial turf athletic field.

The field surface for what will be a new $2.5 million football field/track complex that will also be used for field hockey, soccer, lacrosse and the marching band, would be similar to the artificial turf at Mansfield High School.

"They are all going that way," Superintendent Richard Robbat said, noting the type of field has been planned for some time.

Robbat said maintenance savings and the ability to more heavily use such fields are key advantages. Also, weather doesn't affect artificial turf as much as natural grass fields.

The project would be two phases. The first phase will cost $1.5 million and include an expanded six-lane track, bleachers, lights, a press box and preparation for the turf field. Phase 1 is being funded under the overall school building project and is expected to be completed by September.

The second phase, the turf field, would be covered with community fundraising.

If fundraising is successful, the second phase would start next spring or summer, with the field ready for September 2008.

Green Acres Landscaping and Construction of Lakeville was the lowest of seven bidders and has been awarded the contract for the first phase.

Robbat told school board members the company has experience with such fields, and just completed one for Durfee High School in Fall River.

Ledgewood Construction of Norfolk had bid just $3,000 more as one of four bidders that were within $94,000 of each other.