Fauquier County Public Schools (FCPS) announced that new artificial turf fields are nearing completion at Fauquier High School’s Kelican Field and Kettle Run High School’s Cougar Stadium.
According to FCPS, the new artificial turf fields are designed to provide safer playing surfaces, increased durability, and expanded year-round access for student-athletes and community use. The projects were approved by the School Board in January, with Hellas Construction selected as the vendor. This included a $1.4 million transfer to Fauquier County and updates to the cooperative agreement with FCPS and Fauquier County Parks and Recreation. Construction began in June and is expected to conclude in September.
FCPS officials said that the turf upgrades reflect ongoing investment in school and community facilities, providing consistent access for multiple sports, reducing weather-related cancellations, and supporting additional programs. Dedication ceremonies for the new fields are scheduled before the first home football games, with Fauquier High’s event on September 12 at 6:45 p.m. and Kettle Run’s on September 26 at 6:45 p.m.
“Cougar Stadium is the heart of so many student experiences — from Friday night football to marching band competitions and community events,” said Paul Frye, activities director at Kettle Run. “The turf field ensures these traditions continue on a surface that reflects the excellence of our programs and the support of our community.”
Fauquier County Public Schools (FCPS), located in Fauquier County, Virginia, serves a primarily rural area of about 650 square miles near Washington, D.C., and Richmond, with a population of around 68,000. FCPS operates 11 elementary schools, five middle schools, three high schools, and one alternative learning school. The district’s mission is to develop creative, confident, and knowledgeable citizens who are globally competitive by cultivating all learners’ potential. Governed by a five-member School Board, FCPS follows Virginia statutes and Board of Education regulations to set policies, goals, and guidelines that support student success under Superintendent Dr. Major Warner.
