Laguna Beach High rolls out eco-friendly stadium upgrade, free AI training offered to college students, and more – OCDE Newsroom

At Laguna Beach High School, the grass is greener — and safer — thanks to a million-dollar upgrade replacing the campus’ decade-old turf track and field with environmentally-friendly options that feel like natural grass while reducing upkeep and the risk of athletic injuries.

The $1.165 million project features a new track surface overlay and Shaw Sports Turf with Geofill, a natural infill made of 80 percent coconut husks and 20 percent sand. Free of petroleum and other harmful chemicals, the new field offers cooler surface temperatures in hot weather and better traction in all conditions, translating into more opportunities for practices and games.

Laguna Beach Unified School District officials noted that the project was completed in just four weeks due to a manufacturing process that wove field lines and graphics directly into the turf before delivery. The work was carefully scheduled to avoid disruptions to its year-round community sports and athletics activities.

“As one of the few shared-use playing fields in the city, this stadium is an important resource for school and community athletics,” said Ryan Zajda, facilities and sustainability director at Laguna Beach Unified.

The new field will hold its first game on Aug. 29, when the Laguna Beach Breakers host Santa Monica High School in their season home opener. Before kickoff at 7 p.m., district leaders will celebrate the debut of the upgraded facility in a brief 50-yard-line ceremony.

“This project is a thoughtful investment that will keep our kids active, our community connected and enhance the health and wellness of our students and neighbors,” said Laguna Beach Board President Dee Perry.