Pinecrest High School’s athletic boosters are asking Moore County Commissioners for financial support to upgrade several campus athletic facilities — a move that follows the county’s recent $1.2 million artificial turf investment at Union Pines High School.
The Pinecrest Athletic Club (PAC), which previously funded its own artificial turf field installation, is now requesting similar assistance to help improve other athletic facilities on campus.
What Pinecrest Is Requesting
In a letter to the Board of Commissioners and Moore County Schools leadership, PAC President Katherine Sacco outlined seven proposed projects, with a total estimated cost between $810,000 and $1.2 million.
The proposed upgrades include:
- Lighting for tennis courts ($120,000–$200,000)
- Spectator seating and shade structures at tennis courts (up to $125,000)
- Grading and re-sodding practice fields ($250,000–$400,000)
- Lighting for practice fields ($150,000–$220,000)
- LED upgrades for stadium lights (up to $150,000)
- LED upgrades for gymnasium lighting ($75,000–$100,000)
- Installation of a sand volleyball court (up to $60,000)
Sacco emphasized that while the list is not comprehensive, these projects would impact the largest number of student-athletes and help Pinecrest meet National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) standards.
Why Now?
When Moore County Commissioners approved funding assistance for Union Pines’ artificial turf project, they indicated they would be open to future requests from other high schools.
Union Pines received funding support from multiple sources, including county interest funds from a 2018 bond referendum and a $120,000 grant from the Moore County Tourism Development Authority. Boosters also contributed approximately $90,000 toward enhancements.
Pinecrest boosters say their school privately funded its turf installation in 2022 at a cost of about $850,000 — a move that has since saved the school approximately $21,500 annually in maintenance costs.
However, the club is still paying off a loan tied to that project, with more than $100,000 remaining and quarterly payments exceeding $20,000.
Enrollment and Participation
Pinecrest High School is the largest high school in Moore County, with more than 2,000 students. Nearly half of those students participate in athletics, according to booster club estimates.
By comparison, Union Pines enrolls approximately 1,400 students.
Supporters argue that investing in facility improvements at Pinecrest would benefit a significant portion of Moore County student-athletes.
What Happens Next?
The Moore County Board of Commissioners has not made any official decision regarding funding for Pinecrest. However, Commissioners Chair Nick Picerno has indicated the board intends to review the proposals carefully.
“We are not looking at a dollar-for-dollar,” Picerno said. “Our decision will be need for need. We plan to look at them all and do the best we can and treat all three schools fairly.”
The issue is expected to be discussed during the commissioners’ March 10 work session.
As discussions move forward, the conversation could shape how Moore County balances athletic facility investments among Pinecrest, Union Pines, and North Moore High School.
For continuing updates on this story and other local developments across Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Aberdeen, and Moore County, stay connected with Star 102.5 and Sandhills News.
