Heels banned at some Fayette County graduations

Fayette County wants to protect its turf fields from punctures caused by sharp heels. AJC file photo

Fayette County wants to protect its turf fields from punctures caused by sharp heels. AJC file photo

Three Fayette County high schools that have recently installed expensive artificial turf athletic fields are asking female students and family members not to wear high heels to Friday’s graduation ceremonies.

The principals of Whitewater, McIntosh and Sandy Creek sent letters to students and parents asking them to protect the fields during and after the ceremony. Whitewater’s letter says that thin or narrow heels “are likely to puncture the membrane of the turf surface,” and McIntosh specifies “flats and wedges only.”

The school system is spending $3 million to install turf fields at all five high schools; the turf at Starr’s Mill and Fayette County will be installed over the summer.