Portions of Field Turf 'Melted' or Pulled Out in Vandalism

A project manager who oversaw construction of the artificial turf field at inspected the damage left by vandals Tuesday, and found portions of the turf had been melted or pulled up, presumably by high-speed spinning of tires.

The turf is laid in a series of rolls, like carpet, then attached together. It cannot be repaired through individual patches of damaged areas, wrote Scott Landgren, senior project manager for CDM Smith, in a report to Brian Murray, chairman of the Milford Board of Selectmen.

"There is no easy way to assess a value of damage to the field," Landgren wrote. "The value carpet of the field itself, above the engineered sub-base and drainage system, is approximately $350,000 to $400,000. Aside from completely replacing the entire field surface, there is no way to individually replace the fibers pulled up or repair other damage to the field."

In addition to damaging the field turf, the vandals left damage to or destroyed five sections of field fencing and several areas of natural grass. The vandals drove over the track and the long jump sand pit and cover, damaging that custom aluminum cover. [Editor's note: see attached PDF of damage report]

The manufacturer of the artificial turf, called Field Turf, is expected to inspect the damage on Thursday, Murray said.

reported in the early morning hours Sunday. Police stopped the driver and a passenger in the Jeep Grand Cherokee as they were attempting to flee the area.

Jeffery Vanzile, 29, of 122 Highland St., Milford, will be arraigned Thursday on charges of disturbing the peace, malicious destruction of property more than $250, and disorderly conduct.

Brent Nichols, 28, of 39 Main St., Apt. L, Blackstone, was arrested and charged with trespass, malicious destruction of property more than $250, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace. At his arraignment Monday at prosecutors added the charge of operating under the influence of liquor.

The malicious destruction of property charge is a felony.

In lieu of $500 cash bail, Nichols was taken to the Worcester House of Correction, according to court records. If he is released, he is to have a curfew of 8 p.m. daily, must submit to random alcohol and drug screenings, and wear an ankle monitoring bracelet.

Nichols is next scheduled to appear in Milford District Court on July 2 for a pretrial hearing.