MEDINA – The afternoon before Medina’s first home football game Aug. 25, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the new turf playing surface at Ken Dukes Stadium.

Students on the football, lacrosse and rugby teams along with cheerleaders and marching band members who use the field were in attendance along with city and school leaders.

“What you don’t see is the impact projects like this has on our students,” said Medina City Schools Superintendent Aaron Sable. “We want students to have a safe facility.”

The turf cost around $500,000 to install, which Sable came from county sales tax dollars. The old turf surface was around 10 years old and was considered unplayable.

However, Sable said the district is working on getting sponsorships from businesses to cover the cost of the turf and a marketing company was hired to facilitate this.

Jon Burkhart, director of business affairs, said a pad was installed under the turf, which will help with impact absorption, increase its lifespan and includes a drainage system.

Larry Laird, Medina’s football coach, said he is excited to have his students play on some of the best turf he’s ever been on.

Senior quarterback Gavin Montgomery said he wanted to thank the Medina community for their support on Friday nights.

After that, athletes, school board members and city officials got together to cut the ribbon.