[No. 118] Watering that artificial turf field! September 2018.

[No. 117] Southern California – premature aging and failing artificial turf fields are costing taxpayers millions in addition to the expensive upfront installation cost. July 2018.

[No. 116] Guilford, Connecticut – Had they gone with natural grass they would have saved the taxpayers a ton of green. April 2018.

[No. 115] The Big Rip! January 2018.

[No. 114] Ottawa, Canada – City will let unsafe artificial field go on for lack of money to replace it. September 2017.

[No. 113] Burnet, Texas –Defective artificial turf field needs replacing just two years after installation. June 2017.

[No. 112] Clifton, New Jersey – Another case of premature deterioration of artificial turf fields. May 2017.

[No. 111] Indianapolis, Indiana: WTHR 13 Investigates exposes the dangers of playing on ill-maintained artificial turf fields. March 2016.

[No. 110] San Mateo, California: Synthetic turf maintenance cost – new data. February 2016.

[No. 109] Tale of Two Sites: Poor Management in Las Vegas & Embarrassment of Riches in Portland. February 2016.

[No. 108] Mountain House, California: In drought-stricken regions artificial turf fields are between a rock and a dry place; drought limit watering, warranty and players’ health and safety require it . Septemebr 2015.

[No. 107] Redding, California: Premature aging of artificial turf is a nightmare for the “fields of dreams.” July 2015.

[No. 106] Saint Charles Parish, Louisiana: Premature aging of synthetic turf due to sunshine! May 2015.

[No.  105] Indianapolis, Indiana: Poor Gmax readings, lack of maintenance, and hidden objects found in artificial turf fields pose risk of injury to players. February 2015).

[No. 104] New York City, New York: Cautionary tale about what mismanagement and lack of maintenance can do to an artificial turf field. February 2015.

[No. 103] Greenbrier, Arkansas: Three artificial turf fields near-death before expiry of warranty. January 2015. 

[No. 102] Mike Ozanian, “Failure Rate of Artificial Turf Fields Unknown by Public.” November 2014. 

[No. 101] Mike Ozanian: Buyers Remorse Surfacing Over Artificial Turf Fields. November 2014.

[No. 100] Brad Fresenburg: On the cost of artificial turf fields, including maintenance. September 2014.

[No.  99] Winslow, Arizona:  Another replacement of artificial turf due to premature aging. September 2014.

[No. 98] What is it with these short-lived professional artificial turf fields? March 2014.

[No. 97] Harare, Zimbabwe: Lessons on maintaining turf field in Africa. March 2014.

[No. 96] St. Charles, Louisiana: Premature artificial turf fields. February 2014.

[No. 95] Charlestown, West Virginia: Another case of premature aging. February2014.

[No. 94] Bentoville, Arizona: A field of problems due to be replaced. February 2014.

[No. 93] New Braunfels, Texas: School District concerned over premature aging of artificial turf. December 2013.

[No. 88] Minneapolis, Minnesota: Concerns over cost of artificial turf. November 2012.

[No. 83] Artificial pitch maintenance - who, how, when and why? Macrh 2012.

[No. 81] Renton, Washington: CenturyLink Field’s artificial surface bites the dust just after 4 years. November 2011. 

[No. 80] Fort Myers, Florida: Another artificial turf filed is done in prematurely. June 2011. 

[No. 79] Dewitt, NY: Premature wearing of artificial turf fields due to lack of maintenance. June 2011.

[No. 78] More replacement woes about artificial turf fields. May 2011.

[No. 77] Ridgewood, New Jersey: Costly face job on artificial turf field. May 2011.

[No. 76] Lodi, California: Grape Bowl rules dictate graduation ceremony seating, footwear  and snaking. May 2011.

[No. 75] Fairfax, Virginia: Hosing the taxpayers for artificial turf field replacement! April 2011.

[No. 74] Seattle, Washington: Artificial turf field at Qwest not doing the job for soccer. April 2011.

[No. 73] Arlington, VA: Time to pay the piper as artificial turf field due for replacement. April 2011.

[No. 72] Clark County, Washington: School district’s artificial turf field flunks impact test, but still in use. March 2011.

[No. 71] Orlando, Florida: Citrus Bowl’s brand new artificial turf field needs a re-do. March 2011.

[No. 70] New Castle, Delaware: The flawed artificial turf field is being replaced. March 2011.

[No. 69] Port Neches, Texas: Another artificial turf field one bites the dust, only after two years. February 2011.

[No. 68] Elizabethtown College: Artificial turf field is worn out for good. February 2011.

[No. 67] Muskogee, Okla.: What’s the feel of a 10-year old artificial turf surface? January 2011.

[No. 66] Navasota, Texas: Another premature aging of an artificial turf field. January 2011.

[No. 65] La Cañada, California: Premature aging of synthetic turf field catches authorities off-guard. January 2011.

[No. 64] Financial impact on sellers and insurers of premature deterioration of artificial turf fields under warranty. December 2011.

[No. 63] Los Angeles, California: Time to face the music: The cost of replacing so many artificial turf fields at one time. December 2010.

[No. 62] Point Grey, Vancouver, Canada: Tips for maintaining artificial turf fields. December 2010. 

[No. 61] Calcutta, India: Artificial turf field dying from thirst! October 2010.

[No. 60] New York City: Ah! Those ever so enduring, immortal, low-maintenance and indestructible plastic fields! July 2010. 

[No. 59] MetroWest (Boston), Mass.: Complaints about trash pile ups at artificial turf facilities. May 2010.

[No. 58] Arlington County, Northern Virginia: $835,000 to replace a single artificial turf field. May 2010.

[No. 57] Carlisle, Pennsylvania: Sink hole in 1-year old artificial turf field deep-sixes soccer match. May 2010.

[No. 56] Winter damage to artificial turf fields. May 2010.

[No. 55] Park City Utah: Snow removal woes at artificial turf fields. April 2010. 

No. 54] New York City, NY: Soccer referees boycott two turf fields due to dangerous conditions. March 2010.

No. 53] Honolulu, Hawaii: Aloha Stadium artificial turf filed is in a sorry shape after just six years. November 2009.

No. 52]  Friendswood, Texas: Artificial turf field falling apart after just 3 years. September 2009.

No. 51] Mercer Island, Washington: The under-warranty Islander artificial turf field wears out before time, stop-gap measures fail; replacement will cost upward of $450,000. September 2009.

No. 50] Whittier, California: Irrigation of Artificial Turf: An Oxymoron? Hardly. August 2009.

No. 49] East Greenwich, Rhode Island: Sub-carpet work to fix flooding/drainage. August 2009.

No. 48] Belton, Texas: Artificial turf grows bald spots; buyer wants replacement. July 2009.

No. 47] Chicopee, Mass.: Field of repairs, costly fresh crumb delivery. June 2009.

No. 46] Potomac, Maryland: School turf field not draining properly. June 2009.

No. 45] Bryan County, Georgia: Gotta water that turf! June 2009.

No. 44] Swaziland: More hocus pocus on Somhlolo turf: natural grass to the rescue! June 2009.

No. 43]  Dodge City, Kansas: Pamper that turf! May 2009.

No. 42] Swaziland: Ritual causes extensive damage to turf field. May 2009.

No. 41] Mahwah, NJ: Turf replacement just after 7 years. April 2009.

No. 40] Baton Rouge, Louisiana: LSU covers turf field with tarp to prevent storm damage. March 2009.

No. 39] San Diego, Calif: “You don’t say? Water the turf!” March 2009.

[No. 38] New Jersey: Notes on replacing the supposedly lead-free fields. February 2009.

[No. 37] Wellesley, Mass.: Plow, plow, plow, your turf gently into spring; merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, grass is but a dream! February 2009.

[No. 36] Pine-Richland, Penn.: When turf goes bad before it’s time! January 2009.

[No. 35] Liverpool, New York: The bubbling turf field is still closed! November 2008.

[No. 34] Redwood City, Calif.: Frayed carpet increases the rate of crumb migration from artificial turf field. Nov. 2008.

[No. 33] Duluth, Minn.: Halfway into its lifespan, artificial turf carpet needs major repair. November 2008.

[No. 32] Harrison City, Penn: 8-year old turf good for one more year. November 2008.

[No. 31] Midland, Texas: Turf busts at the seams, needs replacement after five years. October 2008.

[No. 30] Pelham Bay Park: Negligent management and lack of maintenance turn turf into a field of nightmares. October 2008.

[No. 29] Blantyre, Malawi: Surprise! Unscheduled practices taking toll on turf field. October 2008.

[No.  28] Lawrence, Mass.: Splish, splash -- they were taking a bath! October 2008.

[No. 27] Stratford, Conn.: If you give a mouse a cookie ….: Oh, those pesky tie-ins that go with turf fields! September 2008.

[No. 26] Maysville, Ohio: Winds rip through turf field (September 2008).

[No. 25] Brookfield, Conn.: HS turf in need of repair after 2 years (September 2008).

No. 24  St. Charles Parish, New Orleans: Plastic fields need watering, too! (ugust 2008).

No. 23  Brookfield, Conn.: Brookfield High's turf unplayable after a couple of years (August 2008).

No. 22  Liverpool, NY: Team has no home field, as 10-year old turf rots away (July 2008).

No. 21  Boston, Mass.: Saunders Stadium turf carpet dies after 5 years, $500G to replace it (June 2008).

No. 20  After 8 years, Wimberley (Texas) High's TurfField surface is worn out, fails safety requirement (June 2008).

No. 19   Drainage woes with turf field in Texas (May 2008).

No. 18   Boston University to replace turf field after 7 years (May 2008).

No. 17   Grass field cost less to maintain (new estimate) (April 2008).

No. 16   Liverpool (NY) field closed for drainage and infrastructure problems.

No. 01   The Myth about Maintenance.

No. 02   Manufacturer (Ten Cate) maintenance advisory.

No. 03   Dollars and cents.

No. 04   Missouri State University/Fresenburg Study (In 2005).

No. 05   Fouty's Perspective, Michigan State University’ athletic turf manager (2005),

No. 06   Boston College Interview (May-June 2006).

No. 07   More equipment: a pictorial

No. 08   Who says turf doens't need watering!?

No. 09   Vandalism adds to the cost of maintenance of artifcial turf.

No. 10   Security cameras on at field? What cost?

No. 11   Bad Maintenance Practices at the "Y" (December 2007).

No. 12  DelawareRiverkeeper.org's comparative cost schedule (Septemebr 2007).  

No. 13  Anti-staph treatment: What cost? January 2008.

No. 14  Cost of  Turf Replacement Worries Board of Ed memebr (February 2008).

No. 15 Maintenance-free, eh? An expert's checklist. March 2008.

[No. 86] Palisades, PA: Colored lines and logo fibers go brittle in 4^th year. 13 August 2012. According to a news story on Phillyburbs.com (30 July 2012), the artificial turf field at the Walter T. Rohrer Stadium at Palisades High School was installed in 2006, with an 8-year warranty, while the school district anticipated that the field would last 10 to 15 years. Four years into the field’s lifeless existence, in 2010, “school district staff noticed that color fibers on the turf field were showing signs of wear…. Though the green fibers appeared to be fine, an inspection found that the colored fibers for the lines, numbers and logo were thinner and becoming brittle.” At the time, “district officials met with the architect who designed the stadium project and a FieldTurf representative. FieldTurf reps agreed to replace the colored lines under warranty, but not the white lines. The school district maintains that the white lines should also be replaced.” According to district’s facilities manager, “We are in the middle of negotiating an agreement with FieldTurf to either replace the colored lines now or replace the entire field at a later date at a discounted price.” So much for warranty! Source: Amanda Cregan, “Palisades tackles turf problems, on Phillyburbs.com, 30 July 2012, available at http://www.phillyburbs.com/search/?t=article&d1=1+year+ago&q=turf .

[No. 83] Artificial pitch maintenance - who, how, when and why? The December 2011/January 2012 edition of Pitchcare Magazine (Issue 40) carried an article by one Nick Harris from Technical Surfaces Ltd. on the maintenance protocol for artificial turf playing fields -  http://www.pitchcare.com/magazine/artificial-pitch-maintenance-who-how-when-and-why.html . The following consist of excerpts from the article (italics are added for emphasis):

[No. 82] More premature aging of artificial turf fields. According to a news report in the Beaumont Enterprise (26 January 2012), on 26 January 2012, the Port Neches-Groves school board, in Beaumont, Texas, voted unanimously at a special meeting to hire a local law firm to represent the district and to authorize the superintendent “to take legal action against FieldTurf,” the company that installed the artificial turf at Port Neches Groves-High School football stadium in 2008. According to the article, “District officials said the turf, which was supposed to last eight to 10 years, is experiencing premature wear. The turf is still under warranty, but Superintendent Rodney Cavness said it is not being honored by the company.” Source: Amos Morale III, “PN-G fires first shot in turf war,” in Beaumont Enterprise, 26 January 2012 , available at http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/PN-G-fires-first-shot-in-turf-war-2726642.php

Meanwhile in Breckenridge, Texas, according to an article in Breckenridge American (24 January 2012), on 23 January 2012, the Breckenridge Independent School District Maintenance Director Tommy Wolfe and BISD Athletic Director Steve Freeman reported to the Breckenridge ISD Board of Trustees that “[t]he artificial playing field, or FieldTurf, [at Buckaroo Stadium] has been wearing prematurely and hasn’t been up to the standards set forth by the company’s representatives.” According to the article, “Wolfe said the company offered to come in and coat the field with FiberGuard, which will prolong the life of the field. However, Freeman said a situation similar to the one at Buckaroo Stadium took place at Aledo ISD and the company came in and corrected the situation. The Board of Trustees decided the FiberGuard coating was not an option and they were prepared to take legal counsel against FieldTurf, if needed.” According to the article, “[t]he white portion of the field, which is mainly the yard lines, sideline areas and lettering has been breaking loose prematurely.” “We just want to make sure we are getting what we paid for,” Wolfe said. “Coming in with that FiberGuard is not the answer, in my opinion.” “Wolfe said the company finally contacted him for the first time since September, when the problem was originally reported to FieldTurf.” Source: Rob Durham, “BISD Board prepared to battle over FieldTurf,” in Breckenridge American, 24 January 2012, available at http://www.breckenridgeamerican.com/news/get-news.asp?id=10646&catid=1&cpg=get-news.asp

[No. 81] Renton, Washington: CenturyLink Field’s artificial surface bites the dust just after 4 years.  According to a news item in Soccer America Daily (23November 2011), “[MLS] Fans and players had hoped otherwise, but rather than install a grass surface at CenturyLink Field, the Sounders and NFL Seahawks have again opted for FieldTurf. The teams announced Tuesday that the latest version of FieldTurf will be installed next February. It replaces a surface laid in 2008 that had deteriorated considerably in the past two seasons.” Source: by Ridge Mahoney, “FieldTurf will be back in Seattle for 2012,” in Soccer America Daily, 23 November 2011, available at http://www.socceramerica.com/article/44767/fieldturf-will-be-back-in-seattle-for-2012.html .

[No. 80] Fort Myers, Florida: Another artificial turf filed is done in prematurely. Bishop Verot is a private high school in the Fort Myers’ area. According to a news report in News Press, June 1, 2011, “In 2006, Bishop Verot became the first and only school in Lee County to install an artificial surface on its football field. Five years later, the Vikings are prematurely due for an upgrade. Starting last week, the FieldTurf company began removing the original surface, the first step in the process of replacing it.” “There were three years remaining on the warranty. Two years ago, [athletic director and football coach Phil]  Dorn began to wonder about the field, which cost about $675,000 to install in January of 2006. ‘We started noticing that the fibers were broken down on the field about two years ago,’ Dorn said. “It was a matter of seeing what the issues were. They believe it was a malfunction in the production of the fiber.” Verot was one of the first in the country to receive the “duraspine,” type of strand, said Chris Wedge, regional sales manager for FieldTurf. ‘It’s a thicker strand,’ Wedge said. ‘In areas where there’s a high ultraviolet index, like Florida, on some fields the fiber has deteriorated very quickly.’

The fields at Bishop Verot and Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, two of 25 in Florida with Field Turf fields, had to be replaced. In Collier County, Barron Collier, Gulf Coast, Immokalee, Lely and Naples high schools also have FieldTurf fields, which are being monitored by the company for defects.” Source: David Dorsey, “Bishop Verot football field to receive upgrade,” in News Press, June 1, 2011, available at http://www.news-press.com/article/20110601/SPORTS01/106010394/1075/Vikings-football-field-receive-upgrade?odyssey=nav|head

[No. 79] Dewitt, NY: Premature wearing of artificial turf fields due to lack of maintenance. According to a news report in Oneida Daily Dispatch (June 21, 2011), “Schools or private facilities that spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to install synthetic turf fields often run the risk of wearing out their investment faster than it should.” “While very few schools like Hamilton College have their own machine, places like Morrisville State, Colgate and Christian Brothers Academy call Fisher to do the once-a-year field cleaning.” “The year-old Sports Turf Care business not only decompacts turf fibers and spreads out the rubber pieces that have built up, but also removes foreign objects. What type of objects? [Bobby pins, metal … mouthguard, bandage, screws]. “Besides the danger to athletes falling on sharp objects, artificial fields with long blades become matted down in high-use areas if they are not brushed regularly. That will wear out the field faster. “These fields are made to last 12-15 years tops,” Fisher said. “It’s going to ensure that in 15 years it doesn’t look like Utica’s.” “Utica College was one of the first places in the country to install a turf field with individual blades in 2000. It lasted longer than its 8-10 year expectancy but, according to Fisher, it would have been in much better shape if there had been regular maintenance on it.” “Fisher also makes sure to spray anti-microbial on indoor fields, where a surface that catches spit and other bodily fluids does not get cleaned by rain and UV rays. As synthetic field technology continues to improve, so are the ways to ensure turf lasts as long as possible. Fisher hopes the niche industry will continue to grow as more schools and organizations install artificial surfaces.” Source: David M. Johnson, “Artificial field maintenance a 'turf' sell for Oneida man,” in Oneida Daily Dispatch, June 21, 2011, available at http://oneidadispatch.com/articles/2011/06/21/sports/doc4e013e827ed92083871740.txt

[No. 78] More replacement woes about artificial turf fields. By Now it is a very familiar story: a municipality rushes to placate the boosters and sports-craved parents and soaks the taxpayers for millions of dollars that are required to install artificial turf fields – without giving a hoot at the time about who will fund the replacement when the time comes to retire the worn out field (see some of the recent posts on this page below)- and what if the field fails prematurely and the purveyor sells the buyer an upgrade model at additional cost. In the vein – according to a PR Press release (May 27, 2011) “The Naval Academy Midshipmen [Annapolis, Maryland] will be playing on the very best in turf technology this coming season at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The Naval Academy Athletic Association has announced that they will be installing FieldTurf Revolution on their stadium field. The decision to replace their current FieldTurf surface was made after the Midshipmen looked at the innovative FieldTurf Revolution system that was launched at the beginning of 2011.” Source: “It's a FieldTurf Revolution for the Naval Academy,” at http://www.pr.com/press-release/327027 . Interestingly, according to FieldTurf’s own web information, http://www.fieldturf.com/baseball-turf/high-profile/naval-academy-midshipmen-terwilliger-brothers-field-at-max-bishop-stadium/ the field that is being replaced was a FieldTurf installation, put in on January 19, 2006 – that is only five years ago. Did the field wear our prematurely? Or the American taxpayers like for the   Midshipmen to play on an arguably the state-of-the-art artificial turf field when there are other pressing needs face the nation?

The Atlanta Silverbacks are a USL-1 soccer club and they play at Silverback Stadium. According to a news item on IMSoccer News (May 24, 2011), “The original playing surface was laid in 2006, when the stadium opened for professional play. Despite having a warranty of eight years, by the time the Silverbacks were to return to the field in 2011, the FieldTurf in the stadium had experienced rapid deterioration. Many factors contributed to this, including a flood in September of 2009 that completely inundated the park. ‘The flood had a moderate effect, as it did put a lot of debris and silt on the field,’ said [Atlanta Silverbacks President Michael] Oki. ‘However, the field had already been slated to be replaced due to the turf having warranty issues with the fibers. The fibers in the original turf were defective and not holding up properly.’” Source: Chris Martz, Atlanta Silverbacks Stadium Gets New Turf, on IMSoccer News, May 24, 2011, available at http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2011/05/24/atlanta-silverbacks-stadium-gets-new-turf/ .

The Youngstown State University’s Beede Field at Stambaugh Stadium is home to the YSU (Youngstown Ohio) football and soccer programs and plays host to high school football games, numerous intramural events and Health and Physical Education classes. According to a news item on YSU Sports (May 22, 2011), “Through careful planning, the funding for [replacement of the artificial turf field] comes from a reserve plant fund dedicated solely for the replacement of the stadium’s turf.”  The stadium opened in September 1982 with Astroturf surface. That surface was replaced in March 1991 with Astroturf. In May 2002 the surface was replaced with SprinTurf. “This [newly-planned] surface replaces the SprinTurf synthetic field that was installed in May 2002. It marks the fourth time turf has been installed since the Stadium opened in September 1982.” Source: “Stambaugh Stadium Synthetic Playing Surface Replacement Underway,” on YSU Sports, May 22, 2011, available at  http://www.ysusports.com/sports/fball/2011-12/releases/turf-update1 . 

[No. 77] Ridgewood, New Jersey: Costly face job on artificial turf field. This is the story that keep son giving – first the flooding, then the clean up, and now a wrinkle removal procedure for the artificial turf field that got shriveled in the face of heavy rains that reminded everyone why some places are called flood pain and not very suitable for a million-dollar artificial turf installation. For previous posts on the plight of Ridgewood, see http://www.synturf.org/waterdamage.html (Items No. 14 and 15). According to the news report in The Ridgewood News (April 27, 2011), “The final repair of the wrinkles left on new turf installed on Ridgewood High School's (RHS) Stadium Field after flooding this month [April 16] cost the school district about $21,000, Superintendent Daniel Fishbein disclosed at a Board of Education (BOE) meeting Monday night.” Fishbein stated that the cleanup was being conducted by the district's contracted custodial company, "so there's no additional costs." “However, when The Ridgewood News questioned Fishbein during the public comment portion of the [Board of Education]  meeting about the cost of hiring an outside company, LandTek, to repair the turf wrinkles, the superintendent reported that the field repair in fact cost about $21,000. "I'm sorry. There was a cost for LandTek. I neglected to say that," he said, adding that he considered the repair of the wrinkles a "correction" and not a "clean-up" cost. For more, please go to Kelly Ebbels, “Ridgewood turf field's 'wrinkle release' costs $21,000,” in The Ridgewood News, April 27, 2011, available at  http://www.northjersey.com/news/120734824_Ridgewood_turf_field_s__wrinkle_release__costs__21_000.html . Go to the site for a picture of the wrinkled field.

[No. 76] Lodi, California: Grape Bowl rules dictate graduation ceremony seating, footwear  and snaking. According to news reports in Lodi News-Sentinel (May 3, 2011), “Not only will Lodi Unified School District seniors be prohibited from wearing heels, eating sunflower seeds or chewing gum at this month’s graduations at the Grape Bowl, but their parents and other guests cannot greet them on the field at the end of the ceremony. Plus, the district must buy an estimated 500 or more new chairs to fit guidelines set by the city of Lodi, which owns the field.” “To protect the [synthetic turf] material, the city directed the district to use chairs with a rail connecting the legs instead of those with four points … The rail creates a rounded corner to guard against holes in the turf and displaces the weight across a bigger surface…. [T] he district was informed of the change at least a couple of months ago and its officials opted to buy new chairs instead of renting them.” According to school officials “Not allowing four-leg chairs is pretty standard procedure at colleges with field turf fields. The legs will sink way into the sand (and) tire crumb mixture, resulting in an uneven playing surface after the chairs come out. The manufacturer has specifications on field care that the city must abide by or void the warranty.” Source: Jennifer Bonnett, “Grads annoyed but understanding of Grape Bowl rules, in Lodi News-Sentinel, May 3, 2011, available at http://www.lodinews.com/news/article_53455730-e0e3-5942-8950-287700a16516.html . A day later, Lodi News-Sentinel reported that “The Lodi Unified School District has spent approximately $39,000 to buy new chairs that fit requirements by the city to use the Grape Bowl [made necessary because of the synthetic field turf at the stadium].” See Jennifer Bonnett, “Lodi Unified School District buys chairs for Grape Bowl use,” in Lodi News-Sentinel, May 4, 2011, available at http://www.lodinews.com/news/article_8e94c999-778e-5044-bb7a-989df76b2c4f.html

[No. 75] Fairfax, Virginia: Hosing the taxpayers for artificial turf field replacement! According to a news report in the Fairfax Times (April 9, 2011), “Fairfax County youth sports leaders say the county needs to sock away more money than it plans to save for replacing synthetic turf fields. County Executive Anthony Griffin has proposed creating a new field replacement fund that will start out with $500,000. But according to Fairfax County Park Authority estimates, the county will need to replace about three fields per year, at a cost of about $1.2 million per year, starting in fiscal 2013.” Mark Meana, chairman of the Fairfax County Youth Football League and Fairfax County Athletic Council Chairman Harold Leff “said during budget testimony last week that the Board of Supervisors should allocate additional money to the field replacement fund when there are surplus dollars at the end of the fiscal year.” “And while youth sports groups pay fees for the use of county facilities, those charges will not cover the remainder of the costs associated with replacing fields, Meana said. ‘User or athletic fees will never be enough,’ he said.” “The county has 26 turf fields with several more in the pipeline.” “The fields have a lifespan of eight to 10 years, so the first three fields to be installed likely will need to be replaced in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively, said Deborah Garris, who manages the synthetic turf field program. Starting in 2016, the fields will need to be replaced at a faster rate because six fields were installed in 2006, Garris said. In all, it will cost an estimated $14.5 million to replace fields through 2022, Park Authority spokeswoman Judy Pedersen said.” Source: Kali Schumitz, “Turf replacements looming for county fields: Officials say $1.2M needed annually to refurbish surfaces,” in Fairfax Times, April 9, 2011, available at http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/cms/story.php?id=3285 .

[No. 74] Seattle, Washington: Artificial turf field at Qwest not doing the job for soccer. According to a news report in the Seattle Times (April 12, 2011), in the week of April 3, “Sounders FC commissioned a study to see if grass could be a viable playing surface in the future.” “Three things are a given when it comes to Sounders FC games at Qwest Field: a passionate crowd, attack-minded play and complaints about the artificial turf. The surface is a constant issue for soccer purists, who think the game should be played exclusively on grass. The grumbles aren't unfounded. In January, Qwest Field's three-year-old FieldTurf failed to achieve FIFA two-star certification (the highest rating for artificial surfaces) and currently holds FIFA one-star status. All the other MLS teams that play on turf — New England (Gillette Stadium, FieldTurf), Portland (JELD-WEN Field, FieldTurf), Vancouver (B.C. Place, Polytan) — play on two-star artificial surfaces or will upon the completion of their permanent stadiums. FIFA's official website categorizes one-star synthetic fields as ‘mainly for recreational, community and municipal use.’” “Players almost unanimously prefer grass as well, and Seattle goalkeeper Kasey Keller said Tuesday that the opportunity to play on a natural surface on the road could be one reason why the team plays so well away from home.” Source: Joshua Mayers, Turf at Qwest Field not holding up well for soccer, in Seattle Times, April 12, 2011, available at http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2014756247_sounders13.html

[No. 73] Arlington, VA: Time to pay the piper as artificial turf field due for replacement. According to a news report in the Sun Gazette (March 16, 2011),  Arlington County has nearly 100 government-owned sports fields, seven of which currently have synthetic surfaces. This includes the multi-purpose field at Gunston Middle School/Gunston Community Center in Arlington proper. “It was the Arlington County government’s first synthetic-turf field when converted from natural turf in 2002 … becoming the first county synthetic field to be renovated. [The County] Board members last November approved a contract of up to $715,000 to replace the field.” Source: “Gunston Synthetic-Turf Field Back in Use After Replacement,” in Sun Gazette, march 16, 2011, available at http://www.sungazette.net/articles/2011/03/16/arlington/news/nw82n1a.txt .

[No. 72] Clark County, Washington: School district’s artificial turf field flunks impact test, but still in use. According to a news item in The Columbian (March 7, 2011), last year, tthe Washougal School District’s artificial turf field at Fishback Stadium “failed two portions of a Portland-based firm’s ‘playing surface impact test.’” The aging artificial turf field is nearly nine years old. Regardless, the student are allowed to play on it. “[S]chool district officials and coaches say the field has been repaired and offers no significant injury threats to players. Still, the field needs to be replaced in the next year or two due to the effects of age, use and weather, said Doug Bright, the school district’s human resources director. A new turf is expected to cost more than $400,000.” “The Washougal School District recently hired FieldTurf to patch minor problem areas on the field at a cost of $800. Coaches and the school’s athletic trainer have declared it sound. ‘The surface is not in the type of shape where we would have to close it down,’ Bright said. The district needs to make a decision either this summer or next summer, he added, because the turf is ‘at the end of its life.’” “The school district is talking with industry leaders Sportexe, FieldTurf and AstroTurf about replacing the turf, Bright added.” Source: Ray Legendre, “Washougal schools again considering replacing aging surface at stadium,” in The Columbian, March 7, 2011, available at http://www.columbian.com/news/2011/mar/07/district-faces-tough-decision-on-fishback-turf/ .

[No. 71] Orlando, Florida: Citrus Bowl’s brand new artificial turf field needs a re-do. According to a news item in the Orlando Sentinel (March 4, 2011), in August 2010, the field at Citrus Bowl was converted into AstroTurf GameDay 3D60X at the cost of $975,338 to the city. As it turns out “[the field] isn’t level, so it has to be ripped up and redone.” “Fixing the field is potentially a costly job, but taxpayers won't be on the hook. City officials say it's up to the synthetic turf's manufacturer to pick up the tab.” Source: Mark Schlueb, “Citrus Bowl's new field of dreams needs a do-over,” in Orlando Sentinel, March 4, 2011), available at http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-03-04/news/os-citrus-bowl-astroturf-20110304_1_fake-grass-new-field-artificial-turf .

[No. 70] New Castle, Delaware: The flawed artificial turf field is being replaced. The outdoor artificial soccer field at the Kirkwood Soccer Club was first installed by FieldTurf in July 2005. See http://fieldturf.ca/baseball/installations.cfm?keyword=kirkwood&state=all&country=all&year=all&sport=all&resultCount=20&sortOrder=installDate+DESC,+installID+DESC&formSubmit=yes (or pdf version of FieldTurf's web page click here). According to the Club’s website at http://www.kirkwoodsoccer.org/index.php : Fieldturf is replacing our artificial field due to flaws in the original material. The old surface was removed on December 6^th [2010], the weather this winter has delayed the installation process. Currently, the new "carpet" is in place [as of February 18, 2011]. We are now awaiting the weather to improve so that the infill material can be installed.  This process should take a few days, the work will resume as soon as the snow melts. Spring is on the way! Stay tuned.” For a pdf page of the club’s web page click here .

[No. 69] Port Neches, Texas: Another artificial turf field one bites the dust, only after two years. The playing surface at the Port Neches- Groves High School’s Indian Stadium is FiledTurf. It was installed as a part of a $10.2 million renovation project that began in February 2008. See http://www.pngindians.com/sports/football/indianstadium . According to a news report in The Port Arthur News (February 8, 2011), “The lush green field with purple and white markings has seen numerous football and soccer games since it was installed in 2008. But last fall the field began to show some wear and tear.” According to Superintendent Rodney Cavness “The problem … is fraying of individual turf fibers in the white sections of faux grass. It’s premature failure on the part of the turf itself.” According to Cavness, “of about 4,000 FieldTurf fields there are about 50 of them showing premature wear. All of these are in the southern portion of the U.S. where it is very hot with extreme sunlight/ultraviolent rays.” According to FieldTurf, the company “has 4,000 fields in the United States with more than 500 fields that are eight years or older.” Source: Mary Meaux, “Turf wars; PN-G to see replacement to 2-year-old field,” in The Port Arthur News, February 8, 2011, available at http://panews.com/local/x655594044/Turf-wars-PN-G-to-see-replacement-to-2-year-old-field and here.

[No. 68] Elizabethtown College: Artificial turf field is worn out for good. Wolf Field in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, is home to Elizabethtown College's lacrosse and field hockey teams. Opened in 2002, the surface of the filed is Softsport. According to a news item in the College’s newspaper, The Etownian (February 3, 2011), Wolf Field has been “deemed unplayable by an outside company that inspected the turf.” According to Athletic Director Nancy Latimore, the field had "reduction/loss in synthetic fiber resiliency due to fiber breakdown and wear" and “the turf could no longer hold the proper amount of sand and rubber fill and was worn down in ‘high traffic areas,’ like where the lacrosse goals are set up.” According to Director of Facilities Management and Construction Joe Metro, the NCAA does not require evaluations like these, but athletic representatives from the College Safety Committee asked that the field be tested. According to Metro, the inspection, which was done on November 10, 2010, “found that ... the field has essentially lost some of its ‘shock absorbency,' [and] it was recommended that the field not be used until the surface could be brought into conformance with current impact standards." According to Women's Head Coach Mike Faith, “when his team went on the road to play teams with newer turf, his players could see a difference.” Faith said, “I was concerned with how hard the turf [on Wolf Field] was in spots and how there was divots and regular wear and tear on the turf … since we've been playing on it every year, it's gotten worse and worse.” Source:  T. Gavin Nevill, “Turf pronounced unplayable after inspector’s findings: Wolf Field in disarray after years of use,” in The Etownian, February 3, 2011, available at

http://www.etownian.com/sports/turf-pronounced-unplayable-after-inspector-s-findings-1.1961384 . For basic information about Wolf Field, see http://www.etown.edu/SESP.aspx?topic=Sports+Facilities , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabethtown_College#Athletic_Facilities .

[No. 66] Navasota, Texas: Another premature aging of an artificial turf field. The Navasota High School’s artificial turf filed at Rattler Stadium was inaugurated in September 2007. The turf at the time was touted to be “of the quality used in collegiate and professional teams.” See Steve Fullhart, “Navasota Opens Rattler Stadium,” on KBTX.com, September 8, 2007, available at http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/9659947.html . According to a news item The Examiner (Navasota, January 26, 2011), “Crews from the company Field Turf began tearing the carpeted turf from Rattler Stadium this week because of the shattering of some fibers in the turf. Last summer the company replaced the white on the turf and some of the infield… The new turf will still be under warranty for another 4-5 years.” Source: Scott McDonald, “Ripping up Rattler turf,” in The Examiner, January 26, 2011, available at http://www.navasotaexaminer.com/news/article_e022e3a4-2982-11e0-aae5-001cc4c002e0.html .

SynTurf Note:  In item 64 below, SynTurf.org reported on another Field Turf 2007 vintage that seemed to have prematurely aged. Is there a nationwide trend to these 2007 installations by this and other companies that may have used a specific “bad batch” carpet?

[No. 65] La Cañada Flintridge, California: Premature aging of synthetic turf field catches authorities off-guard. According to a news item in the La Cañada Valley Sun, (January 20, 2011), the artificial turf field at La Cañada High School “will need to be replaced within the next three to four years …  Black pellets from the artificial turf have begun appearing on the field's surface because the turf is being crushed down … The estimated cost for replacing the artificial turf is $382,000.” The field’s joint use is governed by a tripartite agreement among La Cañada Unified School District, the Arroyo United Foundation and La Cañada High School Boosters Club.

The cost of the field’s installation in 2003 was borne by Arroyo United, which got in return the use of the facilities when they're unused by the district. In 2004 the La Cañada High School Boosters Club joined Arroyo and La Cañada Unified School District, with Arroyo and the Boosters agreeing to contribute a total of $120,000, which would go toward replacing the field in 2014 or 2015.

Now as it turns out, “Arroyo United and the Boosters Club have had difficulty meeting the financial obligations outlined in the contract.” Currently, there is only a balance of $58,869 in the replacement account.

Source: Andrew Shortall, “Field needs more green: Use agreement stumbles as parties have trouble meeting financial obligations,” in La Cañada Valley Sun, January 20, 2011, available at http://articles.lacanadaonline.com/2011-01-20/news/tn-vsl-field-20110120_1_artificial-turf-boosters-club-arroyo-united-foundation .

[No. 64] Financial impact on sellers and insurers of premature deterioration of artificial turf fields under warranty. SynTurf.org, Newton, Mass. December 12, 2010. Recently, SynTurf.org posted a story about concerns over the cost of replacing artificial turf fields all at once in Los Angeles County. See http://www.synturf.org/maintenancereplacement.html (Item No. 63, December 2010). That story got us thinking of a scenario in which a bunch of artificial turf fields having to be replaced because of product defect or poor installation while the fields are still under warranty. The nightmare of the original installer no longer being in business is a familiar one. Less appreciated is the effect on the industry that has to make good on the warranty in the case of a large scale replacements of prematurely deteriorated artificial turf fields. In a scenario like this, the manufacturer or its insurer will be bearing most if not all of the cost of the replacements.     

SynTurf.org raises this concern because when municipalities decide to buy artificial turf fields they rarely look at the financial viability of the sellers, their insurers and the soundness of the warranty system. The potential for getting the run-around when it comes to fixing defective or worn fields was the subject of an article that SynTurf.org shared with the readers in http://www.synturf.org/industrynotes.html (Item No. 1). A few years back, SynTurf.org also reported on an item in Warranty Week (February 10, 2004) that warned: “In some of North America's largest sports stadiums, the grass is always greener, thanks to AstroTurf and its successors. Unlike the sods it replaces, an artificial sports surface comes with an eight-year warranty. But if you're planning to make a claim, bring your lawyer.” See http://www.synturf.org/industrynotes.html (Item No. 6).

[No. 63] Los Angeles, California: Time to face the music: The cost of replacing so many artificial turf fields at one time. There is a Persian parable about an eagle who one day gave to a little boy one of its feathers in remembrance of their encounter by the brook. As the boy was not destined to become a scribe, he spared the feather from becoming a quill. As he grew older and mastered archery, he came to use the feather on an arrow just before he set out for his first solo hunt. Spotting an eagle in the distance, the mighty lad pulled at the bow and let go of the arrow. It flew high and fast and lodged itself under the eagle’s wing. Recognizing its own feather, the Eagle bemoaned: ‘tis of mine that is now in me.” The moral of the story is that one reaps what one sows.

And now the time has come for the Los Angeles area schools to visit the consequence of their decisions (wise-at-the time) to install artificial turf fields.

Eric Sondheimer is a sportswriter for the Los Angeles Times. In a recent piece entitled “Synthetic turf fields are wearing out (by 8 years)” on latimesblog (Novemebr 24, 2010), at http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/varsitytimesinsider/2010/11/football-synthetic-turf-fields-are-wearing-out.html , Sondheimer wrote:

[No. 62] Point Grey, Vancouver, Canada: Tips for maintaining artificial turf fields. In November 2010 we came across this bulletin on the website of Point Grey Soccer Club, announcing “Pt. Grey turf closed for practices” http://pointgreysoccer.ca/node/724 . The notice stated the following information about the artificial turf fields:

[No. 61] Calcutta, India: Artificial turf field dying from thirst! According to a news report in Calcutta  Telegraph (October 25, 2010), On Sunday, October 24, 2010,  “Tokuaki Suzuki, the director of competitions and a member of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) inspection team” blasted the condition of the artificial turf field at the “Salt Lake Stadium,” formally known as the Yuva Bharati Krirangan or Stadium of the Indian Youth, in Bidhannagar, Calcutta, in the West Bengal. “According to the AFC delegates, the grasses have died down “far too early” reflecting a clear sign of lack of maintenance. ‘Grasses of artificial turfs are livelier and more often seem natural. But here, it looks to have died down completely. This should not have been the case with something installed just a year-and-half before. It only tells that there’s not enough watering done,’ Suzuki said.” “Ever since the artificial turf was laid at the Salt Lake Stadium, there have been complaints about the turf.” Source: “Delegates blast the artificial turf,” in Calcutta Telegraph, October 25, 2010, available at http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101025/jsp/sports/story_13097105.jsp .

[No. 60] New York City: Ah! Those ever so enduring, immortal, low-maintenance and indestructible plastic fields! According to a news report in the New York Daily News (July 4, 2010), “Maybe artificial turf fields aren't all they're cracked up to be. Nearly half of the synthetic fields surveyed in a new report are so worn they failed to make the grade - even though city officials have long trumpeted turf over grass for being easier and cheaper to maintain.”

“Clearly more maintenance needs to be done,” said Cheryl Huber, deputy director of New Yorkers for Parks, which released the study last week. Of the 40 fields and playgrounds with artificial turf surveyed by the group over the past two summers, 19 were slapped with grades of D or F - mostly for having dangerous holes, loose seams and worn-out plastic blades. Among the worst spots was Sternberg Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where investigators found problems as far back as 2008 - just three years after the turf was installed, the group said.” “The city keeps installing more, but they don't take care of the ones they have,” said Geoffrey Croft, head of New York City Park Advocates, which has been critical of the city's push for artificial turf. “They are repeating the same mistakes as with grass fields, but this time it's much more costly.”

“City data cited in the report show that turf fields cost nearly double to install, though officials estimate that over time they save about $15,000 a year through reduced maintenance costs.” “Parks Department spokeswoman Vickie Karp acknowledged “that several of our turf fields have shown wear and tear due to their age and heavy use,” but said “maintenance crews make every effort to perform repairs.” “In recent years, artificial turf has also come under fire for environmental reasons and for getting dangerously hot in the sun. A Daily News investigation in 2008 found the turf can get as hot as 162 degrees on even a mild summer day. Proponents argue that artificial turf stands up better to heavy use than grass and can be played on year-round.”

Source: Vinnie Rotondaro, Peter Simunovich and Elizabeth Hays, “City's artificial turf fields full of holes, loose seams according to new survey,” in New York Daily News, July 4, 2010, available at  http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/queens/2010/07/04/2010-07-04_losing_turf_battle_in_parks_holes_and_loose_seams_plaguing_playgrounds.html

[No. 59] MetroWest (Boston), Mass.: Complaints about trash pile ups at artificial turf facilities. SynTurf.org, Newton, Mass. May 30, 2010. At a conference a year ago a friend thought of making a video with an inquiring message that would ask: Artificial turf, what’s it good for?” The camera would then pan out and reveal a couple of hucksters, outside their trail trash surrounding, sitting in chairs on a large carpet-size piece of fake grass, with the dog relieving it self in the corner of the spread. The image captures a sentiment that most who live in green, vegetated neighborhoods have long felt – artificial turf playing surface is ghetto-izing our natural grass landscapes and living spaces. In the urban areas, where greenery is not very much a part of the landscape, the turf fields have managed to extend impervious surfaces between the asphalt and the concrete environment. But then children need a place to play, no?   

Two specific report in the last week or so have shed a new light on the mindset that uses these fields – mostly over-privileged or under privileged adults and children who cannot be bothered to pick up after themselves. And a municipal government and management body that is incapable of enforcing a community’s sanitation code. It is not news to those who have made the logical point that if artificial turf fields increase play time that leads to more games per day and for a longer day, then more players and spectators will be at the fields at any given day – result is the generation of greater trash, plastic bottles, wrappers, and rubbish – either strewn about the place or piled high and overflowing the trash cans. Bees and flies hover around.  

In a letter, entitled “Needham town fields are trashed,” written by Nancy Simpson-Banker, of Sutton Road, published in WickedLocal.com (Needham), April 27, 2010 (available at http://www.wickedlocal.com/needham/news/opinions/x749219355/L-etter-Needham-town-fields-are-trashed ): “My family has lived near DeFazio Field for over 10 years. We have always enjoyed walking and playing the fields. The new fields [that contain also two synthetic multi-purpose fields with athletic field lights] are beautiful, but they are covered with trash. My husband and I often take an early morning walk through the fields and over to the golf course. The amount of trash on the sidelines in the last week has been staggering. There is enough trash around side of the side of the back field to more than fill a town trash bag. Many mornings I fill a plastic grocery bag with field trash but my small efforts aren’t a longterm solution. I would like to ask the coaches to please help us keep the fields clean. If each player spent five minutes picking up trash after each practice and game, our trash problem would be eliminated. The current picture of the Needham fields is not one we want to present to children and parents who visit our town.”

By a letter, dated May 22, 2010, SynTurf.org heard from a reader whose property abuts the two artificial turf playing fields at the Sprague Elementary School area in Wellesley, Mass. Commenting on the state of the fields next to her, she wrote: “There definitely is an increase in trash, lining the new fields....the coaches, see to it that the fields are cleared and do not care in the least where the trash goes as long as the fields (Persian carpets!) are taken care of....as a result...I find plastic bottles etc thrown over our fence.....the athletes do not want to walk to the trash cans and the coaches are not making them.....and nobody cares....the DPW does not come around and clean the outer edges.....I can see by the Needham article that the same is true.....Defazio and Sprague were used constantly as natural grass fields...and there was not as much trash as now.....I am thinking it has to do with the coaches not paying as much attention to the surrounding area but rather the new facility....”

[No. 58] Arlington County, Northern Virginia: $835,000 to replace a single artificial turf field. According to a news report in The Sun Gazette (May 26, 2010), “As the county government expands its effort to build artificial-turf fields across Arlington, the time has come to reconstruct the very first such field built in Arlington. A synethetic-turf field at Gunston Middle School [in Arlington] is slated to be replaced in the coming fiscal year, at a cost of about $835,000, county officials said.” The field was installed in 2002. Because “the useful life of a synthetic field is eight years,” “it will be beyond due for replacement,” county government spokesman Mary Curtius said. “All the county’s fields are on an eight-year rotation for replacement - their useful lifespan, according to their manufacturer.” Source: Scott McCaffrey, “Synthetic-Turf Fields Starting to Come Due for Replacement,” in The Sun Gazette, May 26, 2010, available at http://www.sungazette.net/articles/2010/05/26/arlington/news/nw130a.txt .

[No. 57] Carlisle, Pennsylvania: Sink hole in 1-year old artificial turf field deep-sixes soccer match. According to a news report in The Carlisle Sentinel (May 4, 2010), the Boiling Springs vs. Middletown varsity girls soccer game on May 4 “was cancelled due to the discovery of a sinkhole on Ecker Field,” on the 49-yard line; it was “about the size of a manhole cover, Superintendent Patricia Sanker said.” “Sanker attributes this most recent one to the heavy rains that recently hit the area.” “This is the first sinkhole on the field since renovations to replace the natural grass with synthetic turf were completed last May [2009].” “Two sinkholes were reported on the field in November 2008, just after the renovations began.” Source: Erica Dolson, “Boiling Springs vs. Middletown girls soccer cancelled after discovery of a sinkhole on Ecker Field,” in The Carlisle Sentinel, May 4, 2010, available at http://www.cumberlink.com/articles/2010/05/04/news/local/doc4be09e9fa72eb518200066.txt .

[No. 56] Winter damage to artificial turf fields. According to a news report in the Horticulture Week (May 12, 2010), an artificial turf specialist “has warned the harsh winter has put additional strain on synthetic pitches through increased usage and challenging conditions.” “Curtis Allen, of Charterhouse Turf Machinery Ltd, claims little thought has been given to the effects of constant damp and increased traffic on the synthetic surface.” According to him, “This damp and the increased usage make the usual compaction and drainage issues escalate, which means water pooling and contamination in the surface are more obvious.” “Shovelling [sic] snow from synthetic surfaces can also cause problems, according to Allen, who urges caution.” “It is important snow is dealt with correctly and the right equipment is used to remove the snow if using the surface is unavoidable. Using the wrong methods or treatments on the surface in the winter months will only add to the summer cleaning tasks and risk damaging the carpet.” “Most synthetic pitches are not cleaned over winter and Allen recommends groundsman [sic] use early summer to begin maintenance work.” “The infill will benefit from a deep clean to remove all of the debris and contamination which will have been pushed or washed into the carpet. The fact that the surface will be now dry means dust and lighter particles can be more effectively removed from the surface.” Source: Jack Sidders, “Synthetic turf not immune from winter damage, warns expert,” in Horticulture Week, May 12, 2010), available on HortWeek.com at

http://www.hortweek.com/channel/Turf/article/1002375/Synthetic-turf-not-immune-winter-damage-warns-expert/ .

[No. 55] Park City Utah: Snow removal woes at artificial turf fields. According to a news report in The Record (April 23, 2010), “A major obstacle to year-round - or even partial - snow removal for the artificial turf field at Quinn’s Junction Sports Complex is the potential damage that could be done by machinery.” The field is currently in the fifth year of an eight-year warranty; the manufacturer neither recommends nor bars snow removal, according to The Record. “While snow could be removed from the field, damages become more likely with more frequent removals. The risk is much slimmer, however, if equipment is modified for safe use.” Last year, the snow removal at the Park City High School’s artificial turf field (Dozier Field) “caused thousands of dollars in damages because the blades on a utility tractor were not covered.” The field was not under warranty and was not plowed with modified equipment. “If the removals are too infrequent, Edward said, the pressure of snow-removing machines can alter the field because of the torque on their back tires.” One manufacturer recommends the following: “Under no condition should anything bigger than a small utility tractor (35 hp) with turf tires be driven on a snow-covered or wet field. The biggest issue is the wet sub-grade material. Even a light pick-up truck will create tracks/dents in the sub-grade material and ruin the flatness and playability of the field. The field cannot handle construction-type front-end loaders and, certainly, no dump trucks. The simple turning motion of their wheels will tear/bunch up the turf. Most places will take a utility tractor with turf tires and a bucket - using a PVC or rubber protectent [sic] on the blade - and push the snow off the field. This approach is good for pushing up to 6-8 inches of snow. Then, from piles accumulated off the field, use larger equipment to remove/haul off the snow.” Source: Matthew Piper, “Risky business? Year-round snow removal for turf fields can do damage,” in The Record, April 23, 2010, available at http://www.parkrecord.com/summit_county-sports/ci_14947171 .

Farriella for News. Forest Hills Girls soccer coach Bob Sprance shows the extensive wear and tear on field 5 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park

[No. 54] New York City, NY: Soccer referees boycott two turf fields due to dangerous conditions. According to a news report in New York Daily News (March 26, 2010), the New York City Soccer Officials Association is boycotting two of  artificial turf fields at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park (Fields 1 and 5) because of several gaping tears and ripped seams at each field.. “They are not playable,” said Bob Sprance, varsity girls coach at Forest Hills High School. “They must be repaired before somebody gets seriously hurt.” “I go out with giant cones to mark the spots that the girls need to be aware of,” said Keith Horan, varsity coach at the High School for Arts and Business in Corona. “It’s plain dangerous.” Queens Parks Commissioner, Dorothy Lewandowski, said it could cost up to $500,000 to replace a synthetic field, depending on its size. Source: Leigh Remizowski, “Referess [sic] cry foul as soccer association refuses to play on park's torn up fields,” in NY Daily News, March 26, 2010, available at http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/queens/2010/03/26/2010-03-26_refs_call_field_foul_wont_go_on_parks_torn_up_soccer_fields.html  .

The BigAppleSoccer.com (Unplayable Fields, March 21, 2010) available at

http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/sections/youth2.php?article_id=22969 reported on the story from the refs’ perspective. Here is what some of them had to say: “We as referees, have . . . refused to allow the games to be played on these fields as the safety of the players would be compromised, NYCSOA president Jim Memos said in an e-mail to the organization's membership. “We have moved games if and when at all possible, depending on open field availability, or just flat out postponed them.” Memos added that he didn't think game officials should be subject to lawsuits because of the condition of the fields. “This is a lawsuit happy country and to take a chance of us, the referees, and allow the games to be played on these fields, would be ludicrous. I for one, am not about to place my personal property, well being and finances at stake for some attorney to take advantage of a loop-hole and take away all I have worked for all these years. All it takes is one serious injury sustained under these playing conditions for the aforementioned to become a reality. Sorry, not worth it!!”

SynTurf.org Note: The foregoing story reminds us of the time when some of the coaches would cram the city hall with their players and their parents and say how they had to use cones to mark the divots and gopher holes and puddles in the disgraceful natural grass playing fields! Ah! If only we could have artificial turf fields to play on! The situation in Queens is an interesting one because some of the grass fields also need repairs. Comparative cost analysis, anyone? The cost of repairing/replacing a turf field vs. a few shovelfuls of dirt. You do the math.

[No. 53] Honolulu, Hawaii: Aloha Stadium artificial turf filed is in a sorry shape after just six years. According to a news story in The Advertiser (October 11, 2009), “When Aloha Stadium rolled out a new $1.3 million artificial turf in May 2003, the expectations were that the new surface would last until early 2011. Six years later, the turf already has hit a rough patch.” “[T]he surface increasingly is drawing criticism that it’s worn and no longer offers a soft cushion.” “Montreal-based FieldTurf provided the turf under a sole-source contract awarded by the Hawai'i Tourism Authority in 2002. The turf replacement was required under a contract between the HTA and the Pro Bowl to keep the annual all-star event in Hawai'i.” But recently, the “[p]laying-field conditions have generated complaints and were a factor behind a major international soccer tournament declining to return to Hawai'i.” For more on this story, go to Sean Hao, “Stadium faces big bill for new turf,” in The Advertiser, October 11, 2009, available at  http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20091011/NEWS01/910110370?source=rss_localnews .

[No. 52] Friendswood, Texas: Artificial turf field falling apart after just 3 years. According to a news report in the The Daily News (September 16, 2009, “School district officials claim the artificial turf at Friendswood’s high school football stadium is coming apart at the seams — and want the contractor to replace it.” Superintendent Trish Hanks blames poor installation and poor workmanship for the problem with the field. Three years ago, the district spent a little more than $1 million to replace the turf and track at Henry Winston Memorial Stadium, but “the turf was never properly installed, resulting in more than 300 repairs in the past three years, Athletic Director Steve Van Meter said.” “Canada-based FieldTurf Tarkett, which has manufactured turf for more than 40 universities, dozens of National Football League teams and three Major League Baseball teams, hired Dallas-based RS Global to install the turf at the Friendswood stadium in summer 2006, Van Meter said. FieldTurf Tarkett representatives declined to comment about the district’s complaints. Officials with RS Global could not be reached for comment Tuesday [September 15].” For the list of woes afflicting the installation of the field, see the source: Rhiannon Meyers, “Officials: Surface at stadium should be replaced,” in The Daily News (Galveston, TX), September 16, 2009, available at http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=8925302272cfdb30 .

[No. 50] Whittier, California: Irrigation of Artificial Turf: An Oxymoron? Hardly.

SynTurf.org, Newton, Mass. August 9, 2009. The people in the know are well aware that artificial grass does not need water to grow. It fact is does not grow, scientists tell us. And we believe them. We also know that artificial grass does not need mowing, scientists tell us. In fact, artificial grass is versatile that over time it gets shorter all on its own. And, if artificial grass does not need watering then why do artificial turf field operators keep watering them? Have they not heard the turf manufacturers’ scientists? The ordinary people, not scientists, have observed over time that while artificial grass does not need watering that an artificial turf playing field does. Water dampens the infill, keeps the dust down, washes off the vomit from the last game, adds some shine to the surface (for appearances sake), and – get this – it also cools down the temperature of the field. That is the following excerpt from a case study at Whittier College is a good read:

The school decided it would bring its football field up to the speed of the 21st century by converting it entirely to synthetic turf … There was only one problem in going synthetic: Once summer rolled around, the field would get much hotter than standard grass fields.

And since hotter temperatures are the last thing athletes need when pushing themselves to the max, something would have to be done… To handle the hot temperatures, [the Contractor] Byrom-Davey decided to install a cooling system. The system’s capabilities were impressive: It would provide 125 feet of water coverage at 100 gallons per minute, each sprinkler running for only a minute long. A groundskeeper would activate each sprinkler one at a time simply by using an ICC Remote to connect to the Hunter ICC Controller. This would “spritz” the turf’s surface in less than 10 minutes, bringing it back down to a cool, comfortable level.

 

[E]ight M-125 valve-in-head sprinklers were installed around the field. These sprinklers featured two extra-high capacity nozzles for an extended throw radius of 125 feet, a four-inch pop-up height and a 22-degree trajectory. In addition, the sprinklers’ covers were colored a green, grass-like tint to blend them right into the field.

 

Today, the people of Whittier College are happy with their new football field. Able to deliver 100 gallons of water a minute, the field can be cooled and cleaned in a matter of minutes.

Source: Danny Fasold,” Case Study: Cooling Off Synthetic Turf,” in Irrigation & Green Industry, March 17, 2009, available at http://www.igin.com/article-899-case-study-cooling-off-synthetic-turf.html or click here .

[No. 49] East Greenwich, Rhode Island: Sub-carpet work to fix flooding/drainage. We reported on the flooding woes at East Greenwich High School earlier - See http://www.synturf.org/waterdamage.html (Item No. 10). According to a news report in the Providence Journal (August 7, 2009), “Spooked by discovery in July of water collecting on the newly installed football field at the high school, the committee overseeing the project on Thursday voted to take core samples of the stone and gravel beneath the artificial turf and send it out for independent analysis.” “The group, meeting in a packed School Department conference room, also decided to call in a plumber who can use remote sensing equipment to see if the pipes designed to carry water from the field have become blocked or damaged.” “Contractors have already pulled back part of the turf and begun installing an additional drainage system in an attempt to relieve the problem, which became apparent after storms flooded part of the field and the surrounding track.”

“We have a second-rate situation for something we brought brand new," said Town Councilman Henry V. Boezi, a former public works director for the town, who recommended that core samples be taken throughout the field and that the drainage pipes be checked. He questioned whether the washed stone and gravel that is supposed to provide drainage beneath the artificial turf was installed property. “Whether or not the base was adequate and how it was installed was questionable,” he said, explaining that the gravel became visible when workers pulled back the turf to add a makeshift drainage system and looked much too compacted -- almost like concrete. “I saw four to six inches of processed gravel as tight as it can be. That can choke off the drainage,” he said. “It could be the entire width of the field.” “The artificial turf carries warranties of one year on installation and eight years on the carpet itself.”

Source: C. Eugene Emery Jr., “Further drainage tests okayed for E. Greenwich field,” in Providence Journal, August 7, 2009, available at http://newsblog.projo.com/2009/08/further-drainag.html .

[No. 48] Belton, Texas: Artificial turf grows bald spots; buyer wants replacement. According to a news report in the Temple Daily Telegram (July 8, 2009), the Belton independent school district has filed a lawsuit against three corporations over the synthetic turf at Tiger Field. The artificial turf football field that was installed in 2005 “is defective and [the district] wants the company that manufactured the surface …to replace it.” Under an 8-year warranty, the district wants the field replaced and for the companies named in the suit to cover attorney fees. “[C]oaches alerted administrators to concerns about the field earlier this year. An inspection found nearly 30 bald spots or defective tuft binds on the field.” “The turf was almost completely gone in those areas. There were some spots as small as an inch in diameter and others as large as 3½ inches in diameter.” Nevertheless, “the district’s athletic director and football coach said the field would be safe to play on this year.” “Two weeks ago about $10,000 in repair work was done on the bald regions and a loose seam The bald spots were cut out and replaced.” The district paid $670,750 for the turf and “expected the turf to last 12 years.” Source: Paul A. Romer, “Belton ISD in turf war over ‘defective’ surface,” in Temple Daily Telegram, July 8, 2009, available at http://www.tdtnews.com/story/2009/07/08/59126/ 

[No.  47] Chicopee, Mass.: Field of repairs, costly fresh crumb delivery. Chicopee’s two new high schools each has an artificial turf field.  The Chicopee High School’s field is about five years old; the Comprehensive High School’s field was finished in November 2008. According to a news report in The Republican (June 26, 2009), the “seams on the Chicopee High field need to be repaired and the rubber pellets which lay under the turf need to be replaced.” According to Superintendent Richard W. Rege “the benefit of having an artificial turf field is it does not need regular mowing but the bad side is they wear out and repairs are expensive,” with “a delivery of the rubber pellets cost[ing] $50,000. So the School Committee “is reviewing its price to rent its fields to outside sports teams. The policy currently gives Chicopee Public School teams first priority when using athletic facilities. If the fields are not being used, Parks and Recreation teams and local leagues can schedule games and practices. Outside leagues may use them if the first two are not occupying them.” Recently, the town received a request from an outside soccer league interested in renting one of the high school fields for a year at a price of $15,000 to $20,000. Such rentals would help offset the cost of maintenance and repair. Source: Jeanette DeForge, “Policy reviewed for school fields,” in The Republican, June 26, 2009, available at http://www.masslive.com/chicopeeholyoke/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-21/1246000754129030.xml&coll=1 .

[No. 46] Potomac, Maryland: School turf field not draining properly. According to a news story by ABC 7 News (June 13, 2009), “St. Andrews Episcopal School in Potomac put in an artificial turf field last fall. Neighbors say it doesn’t drain correctly.” “That's the school and you can see where the fence is, how close we are,” said one neighbor. “The runoff has been overwhelming... It’s a big plastic bag! And when there’s rain...” Source:

ABC 7 News (Bethesda, Maryland), “Council, Residents Disagree About Funding for Artificial Turf,” June 13, 2009, available at http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0609/632448.html .

[No. 45] Bryan County, Georgia: Gotta water that turf! The synthetic turf fields need to be watered, especially in the summer heat to keep players from getting heat stroke. The watering also helps in the grooming process, keeps down the dust and by wetting the sand adds to the ballast effect of the infill. The industry has pushed these fields saying they would save on water consumption because the artificial fields would not have to watered like real grass. So, we got a kick out of reading in the Bryan County News (June 5, 2009) that  the “County votes to spend as much as $30,000 to keep Henderson Park synthetic turf cool.” The appropriation was for the installation of the watering/irrigation equipment alone. “We did artificial grass thinking we wouldn’t have to water it,” said chairman of the county commissioners. The plan is to mount sprinklers on new poles with separate concrete foundations just outside the soccer field fences. Another commissioner expressed some frustration with the park, which opened in March at a cost of approximately $7 million. “This is the problem this month. What’s going to be the problem next month?” he asked “Safety is paramount,” he said, “We don’t need anybody dying of heat stroke.” Source: Gina Sutherland, “County votes to spend as much as $30,000 to keep Henderson Park synthetic turf cool,” in Bryan County News, June 5, 2009, available at   http://www.bryancountynews.net/news/article/4222/ .

[No. 44]: Swaziland: More hocus pocus on Somhlolo turf: natural grass to the rescue! According to a news report in the Swazi Observer (June 1, 2009), pre-game rituals have once again taken a toll on the turf field at Somhlolo National Stadium. Prior to the game between Mbabane Highlanders and Manzini Wanderers, the offcials discovered “a big hole … at the centre and match officials decided that the game would not start until it had been repaired as it could have injured the players. Inside this hole were raffled feathers, eggs and coconuts.” Moreover, “all the four corner-kick areas had some holes with the same strange stuff and apparently, the turf was dug up.” Here is an irony: the match commissioner, Philemon Mkhaliphi, “had to organise natural grass to fill up the big hole at the centre of the pitch before the match could commence.” Source: Sabelo Ndzinisa “Somhlolo artificial turf damaged again,” in The Swazi Observer, June 1, 2009, available at http://www.observer.org.sz/index.php?news=4581 . For background, see

http://www.synturf.org/maintenancereplacement.html (Item No. 42)

[No. 43] Dodge City, Kansas: Pamper that turf! According to a news story in Dodge City Daily Globe (May 22, 2009), the Community Facilities Advisory Board has okayed spending up to $26,000 on a turf-protection system for Memorial Stadium. Turf protection from what, you may ask? Usage! Here is the problem: “The school district wants to purchase about 10,000 feet of temporary flooring made of polypropylene, a plastic polymer that can be used as both a structural plastic and as a fiber. The material would be put directly on Memorial Stadium's turf to protect it from foot traffic and other wear and tear. The district currently uses plywood to protect the turf for occasions like graduation, but plywood increases the risk that people could trip and fall, said Bill Hammond, USD 443's assistant superintendent for business services. He also said unless the wood isn’t painted properly, rain could cause it to stain the field. Hammond said the polypropylene flooring would make it possible to accommodate more community events, as well as school-sponsored activities at the stadium.” Source: Eric Swanson, “CFAB backs school district's request for funding,” in Dodge City Daily Globe, May 22, 2009, available at http://www.dodgeglobe.com/localnews/x862899737/CFAB-backs-school-districts-request-for-funding . Plastic cover to protect plastic fields!    

[No. 42] Swaziland: Ritual causes extensive damage to turf field.  SynTurf.org, Newton, Mass. May 10, 2009. We are not quite sure how the classify this story – under ‘maintenance’ or ‘vandalism.’ Anyway - The scene: Somhlolo National Stadium, Lobamba. The time: Saturday, May 2, 2009. The Event: The Mbabane Swallows versus Green Mamba. The surface: artificial turf. The problem: mysterious burns to the turf at the centre of the pitch. The damage: $US 100, 000. According to reports in Swazi Observer, “the turf has been mysteriously burnt at the centre spot of the pitch. [T]he centre spot was not only burnt but black chicken feathers were found scattered all over the same spot. Close inspection revealed that the part of the artificial turf was uprooted and underneath were more chicken feathers.” For details, please go to Bodwa Mbingo, “Heads will roll,” in Swazi Observer, May 6, 2009, available at http://www.observer.org.sz/index.php?news=3859 ; “Fifa need a witchdoctor,” on  Kickoff.com, May 5, 2009, Touchline Media, Cape Town, South Africa), available at http://www.kickoff.com/static/news/article.php?id=8218Fifa ; and Ntuthuko Dlamini, in Swazi Observer, May 5, 2009, available at http://www.observer.org.sz/index.php?news=3799 .

[No. 41] Mahwah, NJ: Turf replacement just after 7 years. According to a news report on NewJersey.com (March 21, 2009), “[p]remature wearing and safety concerns” have convinced the township to replace the artificial turf at Continental Soldiers Park. “More than 200,000 square feet of faux grass [which was installed in 2002] will be removed and a newer product - believed to be safer because it’s lead-free - will be installed. The work is expected to … cost the township $560,000.” “[u]nder a 10-year warranty [n]ow, seven years later, the fibers on the soccer, baseball, softball and football fields have begun shedding” and according to Mayor Richard Martel, “The grass-like blades are starting to separate from the turf itself.” According to NewJersey.com, “Officials negotiated with the manufacturer and installer, FieldTurf, to get the fields redone before the warranty runs out, Business Administrator Brian Campion said. Had the warranty lapsed, the cost of resurfacing the fields would have been $1.2 million to $1.5 million, he said. Mahwah's current artificial grass is made from polyethylene fiber film. It will be replaced with a monofilament fiber product that is certified to be lead-free.” State officials have said no one under the age of 8 should use the turf fields, players must wash their bodies and clothing after playing on them, and students should not eat on the fields. Source: Allison Pries, “Mahwah, New Jersey to replace artificial-turf field,” in NewJersey.com, March 21, 2009, available at http://www.northjersey.com/bergen/Mahwah_to_replace_artificial-turf_field.html .

[No. 40] Baton Rouge, Louisiana: LSU covers turf field with tarp to prevent storm damage. According to a news report in Bleacher Report (March 27, 2009), “[a] line of strong thunderstorms and damaging winds ripped though Baton Rouge and the campus of LSU on Wednesday [March 25] night.”  “School officials covered the practice facility turf with tarps to prevent the rain from damaging the artificial turf [of the indoor practice facility].” Source: Corey Gautreux, “Severe Storms Damage LSU Athletic Facilities,” in Bleacher Report, March 27, 2009, available at http://bleacherreport.com/articles/145969-severe-storms-damage-lsu-athletic-facilities .

[No. 39] San Diego, Calif: “You don’t say? Water the turf!” SynTurf.org, Newton, Mass. February 28, 2009. So far we know for sure that the annualize cost of an artificial turf is more than the annualized cost of natural grass. We also know that artificial turf runs tens of degrees hotter than natural grass. We also know that artificial turf takes maintenance, which includes application of antimicrobial agents and cleansers to the surface. So much for the promise of the “low cost” turf! Many of us also have know for a while that while the plastic flower in a vase does not require watering, artificial turf fields do! Water cools the surface, cuts down on silica and other dust, and washes out the harmful bacteria and other nasty stuff that gets left behind by man and beast. This is especially true of the hot and semi-arid climates around the country. 

A recent TV news story by KUSI-TV (San Diego) highlights the issue: “KUSI’s Michael Turko is investigating a San Diego School District plan to install new irrigation systems at local high schools. Turko says the district wants to use tax money to water the artificial turf on the schools football fields. Until my first report, no one knew school district bureaucrats were planning to use Prop ‘S’ bond money to put in sprinklers on artificial turf football fields. It’ll cost at least twenty five thousand [$25,000] bucks per field, not counting the cost [of] the water. And it'll use a lot of water at a time when we're all being asked to conserve. And now it looks like our elected school board officials are buying into that plan... hook line and sinker!” See the video news report at KUSI, “School Board Backs Turf Irrigation,” February 17, 2009, at http://www.kusi.com/features/turko/39767772.html .

[No. 38] New Jersey: Notes on replacing the supposedly lead-free fields. SynTurf.org, Newton, Mass. February 8, 2009. The function of a turf field warranty is to render the buyer harmless in the event the field becomes unusable because of a shortcoming in its installation (design, labor, and materials) or lousy maintenance practices recommended by the warrantor or its agents. Naturally, every warranty, like an insurance policy, has exemptions and exclusions. Many fields last beyond the term of their warranty. Many do not. In the literature from past December [2008] one story in particular caught our attention because the fields at issue were made by a manufacturer that routinely proclaims its product to be lead-free and that the fields at issue were taken out and replaced with new ones while they were presumably under warranty.

The case concerned the removal of the two artificial turf fields from Northern Valley Regional High School in Demarest (New Jersey), beginning on Monday, December 1, 2008. The two fields were being removed because of presence of lead in them, even though the fields were supposed to have been “new generation” and made by a company that constantly proclaims its product as being lead-free!

According to Northern New Jersey media, “The fields were installed several years ago at a cost of $1.4 million to the district. They will be replaced with a new product by a Canadian company that provided the initial fields.” Each multi-sport field, more than 102,200 square feet each, costs $700,000 to replace, a discounted price that includes disposal of the old fields, an amount considered “reasonable” by district officials who believed the actual value of the replacement to be more than $1 million a piece! For more on this story, see Evonne Coutros and Andrea Alexander, “Playing safe on health,” in NorthJersey.com (Hackensack, NJ), December 2, 2008, available at  http://www.northjersey.com/betterliving/recreation/Playing_safe_on_health.html ; and Marc Lightdale, “Schools to get new turf fields,” in Northern Valley Suburbanite (Cresskill, NJ), December 2, 2008, available at http://www.nvsuburbanite.com/NC/0/1522.html .

--

[No. 37] Wellesley, Mass.: Plow, plow, plow, your turf gently into spring; merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, grass is but a dream!  In the last week, the theatre of the absurd pitched its tent at the turf fields next to Sprague Elementary School, in Wellesley, Mass.  On Monday, January 26, 2009, the town’s Department of Public Works (DPW) was out snow-plowing one of the artificial turf fields just ahead of the next snow storm. For a carpet that was sold on the premise of low maintenance, it sure looked silly to be using municipal equipment and man-hour clearing a field that could hardly be used in the freezing temperatures that predominated during the week. On Tuesday, DPW was back during recess and afterwards – that is, longer than two hours, plowing the other turf field. On Wednesday, a snow storm dumped another 8 inches of snow on the newly-plowed fields. On Friday, DPW was back out plowing the fields, again.

[No. 36] Pine-Richland, Penn.: When turf goes bad before it’s time! The artificial turf field at Pine-Richland stadium was installed in 2001. According to a news article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (January 11, 2009), the “turf is wearing out.” This is only after 8 years in an environment where most municipal governments belive or operate on the false or contrived assumption that the life of an artificial turf field for them will be 10 to 15 and, yes, even 20 years. The assumption is necessary in order to accomplish two things (1) to justify the upfront cost of installation of turf (it will pay for itself over time by saving on maintenance), and (b) to give the political impression that the replacement of the carpet would be so far in the future that it need not concern the short-sighted now-oriented public. That is until the turf goes bad before it’s time.

On Tuesday, January 6, 2009, the Pine-Richland school board's planning meeting considered the issue of replacing the turf and its estimated cost of $300,000 to $400,000 or more. No decision was taken. According to the “who said what at the meeting,” here is the sign of theatrics to come for many unsuspecting municipal and school officials:

Official #1: The artificial turf has become rippled and worn to the point that it is a safety concern. A rubberized mat and drainage system beneath the turf would not need to be replaced.

Official #2: The turf had a 10-year warranty for “normal” use, but the field is heavily used for a variety of sports and activities, including football, lacrosse, physical education classes, graduation and band. The company with which the school had a 10-year warranty is out of business now.

Official # 3: I just feel like we didn't see it coming.

Official # 4: Replacement of the turf had been planned in the budget for two years from now.

Official # 5: It's [replacement] come to the forefront ... because it's a safety issue.

Source: Cindy Micco, “Pine-Richland stadium turf may see early replacement,” in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, January 11, 2009, available at http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09011/940553-54.stm .

[No. 35] Liverpool, New York: The bubbling turf field is still closed! Corrections 12/3/2010. The fate of the quarantined artificial turf field at Liverpool High School Stadium is back in the news. As reported in July 2008 (http://www.synturf.org/maintenancereplacement.html -- Item No. 22), the officials closed the 10-year old artificial turf field in December 2007 because its surface had developed potholes and soft spots. According to a news item in The Post-Standard (November 24, 2008), the school district is back to deliberating what to do next with the stadium. “The field's surface bubbled and district officials have not been able to determine what caused that to happen,” according to the news report. According to Liverpool’s acting athletic director, Mark Potter, “It kind of looks like a miniature golf course, it’s not flat.” Having been rebuffed twice before by the voters, a group called the “stadium committee” now recommends that the school board consider sending what it calls a “bare-bones” proposal to voters for approval in February 2009. This time the proponents of the fake-grass field have cut from their proposal such amenities as expanded parking, a new press box, restrooms, concession stand, scoreboard, field lights and visitor bleachers. Source: Catie O’Toole, “Liverpool Stadium Committee to address school board tonight,” in The Post-Standard, November 24, 2008, available at http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2008/11/liverpool_stadium_committee_to.html .

SynTurf.org Note: Here is the irony – The proponents of artificial turf fields often pitch their quest with the help of a slide show that compares a brand new artificial turf field with some pathetic looking natural grass field with potholes, standing water and dirt. How interesting that after 10 years a turf field that cost $100,000s to $1 million is in no better shape than a natural grass field that costs a lot less to install and care for. Our advice to the Liverpool voters – for the sake of human health and the environment and your pocketbook - go with a natural grass field for a fraction of the cost of an artificial turf field. Who knows, maybe there will be enough money left over to get the amenities too!

[No. 34] Redwood City, Calif.: Frayed carpet increases the rate of crumb migration from artificial turf field. SynTurf.org, Newton, Mass. November 24, 2008. According to a news item Palo Alto Daily News (November 15, 2008) [Shaun Bishop, “Turf field in Redwood City gets tune-up,” in Palo Alto Daily News, November 15, 2008, available at http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_10996530 ] the artificial turf field at Hoover Park in Redwood City still has two years left on its 8-year lifecycle warranty, but already it has begun to show what the paper calls “a 5 o’clock shadow all day long.” This refers to a condition where the crumb rubber overwhelms the carpet fiber. This happens in three ways: First – when a field is freshly installed the crumb rubber has tendency to be generously applied with the understanding that eventual use of the field would compact some of the crumb into the space between the fivers. In September 2008 SynTurf.org posted picture and video clip showing this phenomenon at Saunders Field in Boston (see http://www.synturf.org/miscellanea.html --Item No. 18). This condition may also obtains when an in-use field is groomed periodically with fresh applications of crumb rubber.

Second: the five-o’clock shadow also comes about when the carpet is worn so thin that the crumb rubber is exposed all the more. Third: the “shadow” phenomenon also can occur when a field is not properly maintained and so the forces applied to the crumb either by nature (water and wind) or players tend to push the crumb to the areas of least resistance. For crumb rubber migration, see   http://www.synturf.org/migration.html .

The worn out fiber uproots or unhinges or de-nestles the rubber crumb from in-between the turf fibers and therefore increases the likelihood of it migrating to other parts of the field or from it. This migration necessitates the need for additional application of crumb in order for the field to retain its uniformity and softness/bounce. It is a poor choice – a new expensive carpet or more crumb rubber?

According to News, “The city council last week green-lighted spending $905,447 on the upgrade, and city planners are hoping to start the replacement — a two-month project — next month.” The Parks Superintendent Gary Hover reportedly told News “We knew from day one that FieldTurf, who was the manufacturer of this product, was very concerned about it lasting because it got a lot of use.” According to News, “The city said it circumvented a competitive bidding process for the project, which is usually required by state law, because Oregon-based FieldTurf's discounted price of about 40 percent off was not available from other suppliers.”

SynTurf.org smells a rat -- In order to minimize wear and tear on the one turf field the municipalities ought to consider getting several!

[No. 32] Harrison City, Penn: 8-year old turf good for one more year. According to a report in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), on November 3, 2008, the directors of the Penn-Trafford school district (Harrison City in western Pennsylvania) postponed discussion about the replacement of the turf surface at Warrior Stadium. According to the report, “School officials have said the cost to replace the artificial turf could be between $350,000 and $450,000. The current turf was installed [in 2000] for $623,798. An independent contractor tested the field last month and estimated it would be safe for another year.” Source: Chris Foreman, “Penn-Trafford to hold off on new turf,” in Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, November 4, 2008, available at http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribunereview/news/westmoreland/s_596704.html .

[No. 31]: Midland, Texas: Turf busts at the seams, needs replacement after five years. As reported by KOSA CBS 7 (Odessa, Texas), on Tuesday, October 28, 2008, the Midland City Council cleared the way for the replacement of the artificial turf field at Grande Stadium, part of the Scharbauer Stadium, Midland, Texas. The Parks and Recreation Manager, Scott Swigert, showed the council how the original turf kept coming apart at the seams on either side of every five-yard marker, where the turf got the most wear. At the cost of $700,000, including 12% for contingencies, the replacement, according to CBS 7 “The new turf will have only one seam, between the yard.” Source: “Artificial turf to be replaced at Grande Stadium,” in CBS 7 (Odessa, Texas), Ocotber 28, 2008, available at http://www.cbs7kosa.com/news/details.asp?ID=9106 .

The turf field in question was put down in 2002 by Southwest Recreational, which went out of business 3 years ago, according to the administrator of Scharbauer Sports Complex contacted by SynTurf.org. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Southwest Recreational Industries, owner of AstroTurf, was taken to the mat by FieldTurf on allegations that did not stick but may have cost Southwest Recreational to go under. See NationMaster.com’s Encyclopedia at “Filed Turf: legal disputes” at http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/FieldTurf#Legal_disputes or click here.

[No. 30] Pelham Bay Park (New York City): Negligent management and lack of maintenance turn turf into a field of nightmares. At over 2,700 acres, Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx is New York City’s largest park. It has a long and intricate history, with many of its historic features still observable to a visitor. The park also has many significant environmental features. Its variety of habitats enables one to see a diversity of wildlife throughout the park. The turf soccer field on the premises sticks out a like a sore thumb, as it is neither enhancing of the environment nor is it in keeping with the park’s historical features. The turf was travesty to begin with and it is now even more so because a pronounced lack of maintenance and lousy field management have turned the artificial pitch into a field of nightmares.

On October 8, 2008, YourNabe.com reported that the condition of the turf field at Pelham Bay Park is “egregiously unkempt and downright dangerous.” “Weak spots covered the field revealing the ‘gravelly,’ slippery secondary layer of recycled rubber and virtually every five-yard white line marker on the hundred yard field was raised inches above the ground, presenting a trip hazard,” according to the report. The Warriors are one of the field’s user groups. Lack of maintenance or little of it can cause developing slopes, unsafe undulations, and weak spots on the turf surface. “Negligence in sustaining and protecting the field by the Department of Parks is precisely what the Warriors are charging,” YourNabe.com reported. “The field needs to be re-stretched, so its taut and the whole top layer need to be flattened” said Warriors’ director. “God forbid one of my kids gets his foot stuck in a raised spot, and turns awkwardly. These are the sort of things that can lead to crippling injuries.”

According to the report, “the gradual destruction of the field … could so easily have been avoided with proper, routine maintenance by the Department of Parks staff. In the equipment shack is housed barrels of replacement rubber pellets that should have been used to fix the raised and weak spots on the field.” Additionally, the indifference to certain prohibited practices for the field/track facility – such as the use of metal cleats and heavy, metal garbage cans as goal posts by pickup soccer players – has helped the deterioration. According to officials, the field is under warranty and so the manufacturer will be repairing the seams along the stripes re-sealed as soon as possible. Source: Andrew Ulrich, “Tuff play destroys Filed Turf: Non-permitted sports activity destroys Pel Bay Park’s football field,” in Your Nabe, October 8, 2008, available at http://yournabe.com/articles/2008/10/10/bronx/doc48ed18642f6e6945615071.txt .

SynTurf.org Note: No turf field warranty known to SynTurf.org provides coverage for negligent or improper maintenance practices. If anything, the exclusion provisions of the warranty protects the warrantor from consequences of prohibited practices and per se exclusions. For example of an industry warranty, see “Warranty Talk” at http://www.synturf.org/industrynotes.html (Item No. 20). 

[No. 29] Blantyre, Malawi: Surprise! Unscheduled practices taking toll on turf field. According to a news report The Daily Times (September 30, 2008), Malawi’s premier daily, the Football Association of Malawi is arranging training sessions for the Malawi Flames without consulting the authorities at Kamuzu Stadium, where the soccer team is supposed to practice. “Kamuzu Stadium authorities have expressed fear that the life span of the artificial turf is under threat due to Flames ill-timed preparations for the 2010 World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against DR Congo,” The Daily Times reports. The tractor that is supposed to brush the turf is broken and therefore, the maintenance crew requires advance notice to prepare the field for play/practice, a process that takes the tractor one day but four to six days if done by humans! Furthermore, the management of Kamuzu Stadium is none too pleased with the Football Association for not honoring its portion of the stadium’s water bill. Source: Mphatso Malidadi, “Flames training damaging artificial turf,” in The Daily Times,  September 30, 2008, available at http://www.dailytimes.bppmw.com/article.asp?ArticleID=10914 . For a background story on Kamuzu Stadium, see http://www.synturf.org/forbiddenfields.html (Item No. 06).

[No.  28] Lawrence, Mass.: Splish, splash -- they were taking a bath! Date: September 27, 2008. The event: Foxboro High School at Central Catholic High School (Lawrence). The venue: Veterans Memorial Stadium, in Lawrence, Mass. Weather: pouring rain. The playing surface: Artificial turf, installed in 2006 by FieldTurf (See http://www.fieldturf.com/football/installations.cfm?keyword=&state=Massachusetts&country=all&year=all&sport=football&resultCount=all&sortOrder=installDate+DESC%2C+installID+DESC&formSubmit=yes -- Item No. 16). According to a report in The Eagle-Tribune (North Andover, Mass.), “[o]ffense wasn't easy due to the heavy rain falling on the artificial field surface. Huge puddles accumulated all over the playing surface, the worst in front of each end zone.” Source: David Willis, “Central Catholic defense dominates Foxboro: Raiders hold Foxboro to only 14 yards total offense,” in The Eagle-Tribune, September 28, 2008, available at http://www.eagletribune.com/pusports/local_story_272022503.html?keyword=secondarystory .

[No. 27] Stratford, Conn.: If you give a mouse a cookie ….: Oh, those pesky tie-ins that go with turf fields! Synturf.org, Newton, Mass. September 26, 2008. It is no secret that turf manufacturers do not just put down a field and leave the scene. There is much money to be made in after-sale products and services. Often a condition of any warranty, the buyer is advised to use buy or use only grooming equipment that the turf manufacturer recommends; that also goes for paints and paint removers for lines on the fields. Now comes a situation where the turf manufacturer seems to get into the business of even deciding for the seller what chairs and tables could go on the field. The case of the Scott Bunnell High School turf field in Startford, Connecticut, is good example of this tie-in practice by artificial turf sellers. According to news story in the Connecticut Post (September 23, 2008), “is vulnerable to damage from chairs, tables, tents and other objects, creating a variety of logistical problems that may force the district to buy hundreds of new chairs before next year's graduation ceremony.” The superintendent of schools told the meeting of the board of education on September 22, 2008, that "The chairs appear to be presenting the biggest problem because we may be forced to buy new chairs or retrofit the old ones to chairs with bars connecting the bottoms of the legs, and that could be costly.” The superintendent and Bunnell’s athletic director have been charged to report back to the board about “how the district will cope with the field's ‘extreme sensitivity’ during heat, and its vulnerability to a wide range of objects that could puncture the turf.” “[M]ost of [the] issues can be dealt with by using special equipment supplied to the town by [the firm] that is installing the artificial turf at Bunnell,” the Post reported on the say so of the town officials. Source: Richard Weizel, “Startford seeks to protect turf field,” in Connecticut Post (Bridgeport, Conn.), September 23, 2008, available at http://www.connpost.com/localnews/ci_10540929 . For a background story on Bunnell High School, see http://www.synturf.org/forbiddenfields.html (Item No. 05).

[No. 26] Maysville, Ohio: Winds rip through turf field. WHIZ News (Zanesville, Ohio) reported on September 15, 2008, that the turf field that was being installed at Maysville High School fell victim to the high winds of the past few days. “The field is a total loss, and Maysville will now have to start over from the beginning and reset their new field. The new date for the field to be done is now late November,” reported WHIZ. Source: J.T. Raymond, “Maysville turf project back to square one,” in WHIZ News, September 15, 2008, available at http://www.whiznews.com/article.php?articleId=22699 .

[No. 25] Brookfield, Conn.: High School turf field is in dire need of repairs after just two years. The turf field at Brookfield High School was installed in the fall of 2006. According to a report The Brookfield Journal (September 12, 2008), at the time of installation the town had issued a certificate of acceptance, even though the surface did not seem to have met the town’s specifications. There were “unlevel parts to the surface.” When a June 2007 survey showed "substantial gaps" on the surface of the field, the town asked the Morganti Group, which managed the renovations, “to make repairs, recommending that the sub-base be reinstalled and a new turf be placed down.” When several seams burst apart, the town was forced to close the field. “The field should be able to be used for 10 years and it didn't last for 10 hours,” Selectman Jerry Murphy is quoted by the Journal as saying. The town has hired another consultant to assess the damage/defect and recommend if a new carpet is warranted. Meanwhile, with the season on the way, a group of irate parents and students have taken twice to protesting in large numbers against the Morganti Group. The parents are asking that the contractor replace the defective turf with a new one – and quickly. For more on this story, see Scott Benjamin, “‘Study’ an issue in stadium field discussions,” in The Brookfield Journal, September 12, 2008, available at http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20118517&BRD=1656&PAG=461&dept_id=13278&rfi=6 . For an earlier report on this field, see http://www.synturf.org/maintenancereplacement.html (No. 23) below.

[No. 24] St. Charles Parish, New Orleans: Plastic fields need watering, too! On August 13, 2008, the St. Charles Parish School Board authorized the purchase of two water cannons for use at each of the district’s high school turf fields, and a groomer to be shared by both. According to the report in The Times – Picayune, the cannons were purchased at a cost of $7,500 each, along with a mechanical groomer costing $8,900 to be shared by the schools. “The cannons can cool down a field to an optimum level, ‘where players wouldn't be as hot,’ said John Rome, school system administrator of physical plant services. They will be most useful during the day, since temperatures drop at night, but they can be used to wet down a field before games, he said.” At the time of the two  fields,  “Officials knew from their initial studies that an artificial field would be warmer than natural grass,” as Field Turf had “reported the fields are an average of 10 degrees hotter.” Sandra Barbier, “It’s artificial, but it gets genuinely hot,” in The Times – Picayune, August 15, 2008, available at http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/riverparishes/index.ssf?/base//news-5/1218778306185770.xml&coll=1 . For the heat effects of artificial turf fields, at time rising to double the ambient temperature (not just the lowball 10 degrees that was claimed by manufacturer’s rep, see http://www.synturf.org/heateffect.html .

[No. 23] Brookfield, Conn.: Brookfield High School turf unplayable after a couple of years. SynTurf.org, Newton, Mass. August 3, 2008. According to a news story in The Brookfield Journal, “the synthetic field at the [Brookfield High School] football stadium has come apart in some sections and is currently unplayable.” The First Selectman Robert Silvaggi is quoted as saying “The town has already paid for it, and we're not going to pay for it again. Right now it is not something that you would want your children to play on.” The field was installed more than a year ago and has split apart in places.
Silvaggi said “it appears that it will be up to the appropriate subcontractors to repair the field so that it can be used.” Source: Scoot Benjamin, “Residents to mull BHS funding,” in The Brookfield Journal, August 1, 2008, available at   http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19883246&BRD=1656&PAG=461&dept_id=13278&rfi=6 .

                                                                                         

[No. 22]  Liverpool, New York: Team has no home field, as 10-year old turf rots away. SynTurf.org, Newton, Mass. July 25, 2008. Liverpool advertises itself as a  delightful 1-square mile community of 2,600 residents on the north shore of Onondaga Lake, with lovely lakeshore trails. The Liverpool High School’s football team is called the Warriors. “There will be no home football games, no Friday Night Lights this fall at Liverpool,” writes The Post Standard. Reason: “Their once state-of-the-art stadium is closed - head football coach Dave Mancuso calls it condemned - because of erosion problems that left potholes lurking under the 10-year-old turf.”  According to the Post, “The school board voted in December [2007] to close the stadium because of safety issues with the playing field, which had been rebuilt and fitted with a new Astroturf surface in 1998. The track surrounding the football field had been closed previously because of the same concerns. Now, Section III officials were recommending that the football field be closed as well. Acting director of athletics Mark Potter said erosion in a crushed stone layer underneath the turf has created soft spots - or potholes - along with bumps. He likened the experience of walking down stairs, only to miss the last step.”

Source: Donnie Webb, “Liverpool football team will be road Warriors,” in The Post Standard, July 20, 2008, available at http://www.syracuse.com/poststandard/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1216544116201810.xml&coll=1 .

Source: “Turf woes: $500G to fix spoiled Moakley Park field,” in the Boston Herald, June 28, 2008, page 2, available at http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view/2008_06_28_Turf_woes:__500G_to_fix_spoiled_Moakley_Park_field/srvc=home&position=also .

[No. 19] Cedar Hill, Texas: Repairs to stadium’s turf  drainage system may cost district $850,000. The Cedar Hill Integrated School District is located in Dallas County, Texas. In the last two years, the district has been dealing with one expense after another in addressing the ISD stadium turf drainage system. According to a report in Dallas News:

The Cedar Hill school district may need to spend approximately $850,000 to fix a problem taxpayers paid almost half a million dollars to correct two years ago.

Standing water on the field has plagued the district's $6.2 million Longhorn Stadium since it opened in fall 1999. In 2006, the district spent $480,000 to replace the drainage system and artificial turf.

By the time school officials realized water still was not draining from the field, the company that installed the new system had declared bankruptcy.

"The year after it was installed we had a drought so the system wasn't tested, and by the time it rained enough to cause pooling, they had gone out of business," said Mike McSwain, the district's chief financial officer. "The contractor did have insurance, and they came out and looked at it, but they denied the claim."

In addition to water problems, Mr. McSwain said sink holes are forming on the field, creating a safety hazard.

Cedar Hill ISD has hired McKinney-based Sports Design Group to oversee the new installation. Richard McDonald, a landscape architect with the firm, came up with the $850,000 estimate based on similar projects.

Sports Design Group will receive 6.25 percent of the installation cost up to a maximum fee of $55,000, according to Mr. McSwain.

Trustee Valerie Banks said she is livid over the failed fix.

"Spending this kind of money to correct something that's two years old just gives me heartburn," Ms. Banks said.

Alternatively, the system can be repaired for about $130,000, but Mr. McSwain said it would be a temporary patch that probably would only last two years.

Mr. McSwain said the 2006 fix failed in part because some of the drain lines were installed too close to the surface. The company that did the work used a steamroller to press down gravel covering the pipes rather than hand-tamping it, he said. That caused the pipes to collapse in several places.

Artificial turf is designed to last 10 to 12 years, Mr. McSwain said, but the turf will have to be replaced because it's too difficult to re-align the seams. The two-year-old turf will be stored for possible re-use on softball and baseball fields.

Mr. McSwain said several factors have contributed to the higher price tag, including rising oil prices that affect shipping fees and materials cost. Artificial turf is a petroleum-based product, he said. There also is an environment fee for disposing of the petroleum base under the current turf.

"This also will be a more extensive fix than before," Mr. McSwain said. "Last time we tried to rework the base and replace the drainage system. This time we're going to take it up all the way to the base and start over from scratch."

The district received three bid proposals this week from turf installation companies. Two are lower than the estimated cost and one is higher, Mr. McSwain said.

"We'll check each one and make sure they're based on the true scope of the work, then take our recommendation to the board on Monday," he said.

Officials hope to complete the project before the first 2008 football game in mid-September.

Kathy A. Goolsby, “Repairs to stadium’s drainage system may cost Cedar Hill ISD $850,000,” in Dallas News, May 29, 2008, available at 

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-stadiumfix_29met.ART0.South.Edition1.46abb47.html.

[No. 18] The Boston University turf field will be replaced after only seven years. According to the item in BU Today, the turf field at Boston University’s Nickerson Field will replaced this summer. According to BU’s executive director of constructions services, the field, which is only 7 years old, “has outlived its life.” The rips and tears pose serious safety issues to the teams that practice there on a daily basis, she said. Source: Vicky Waltz, “New Track, Turf on tap for Nickerson Field,” in BU Today (Campus Life), May 20, 2008, available at http://www.bu.edu/today/campus-life/2008/05/19/new-track-turf-tap-nickerson-field .

SynTurf.org Note: The BU artificial turf field is among the older ones in the Boston area. Could it be that the lead scare that has caused the closing of several fields in New Jersey and elsewhere spooked the BU administration?

[No. 17] Grass costs less: turf versus grass comparative maintenance cost. SynTurf.org, Newton, Mass. April 25, 2008. In the various materials posted on this page, notably Item No. 16 below) readers have been apprised of the comparative cost estimates associated with artificial turf versus natural grass playing fields. While these number provide a basis for an institution or municipality to budget its resources. When a community installs a an artificial turf field, the ultimate financial/fiscal cost borne by the municipality depends very much on its maintenance culture as well as replacing, as matter of carbon neutrality,  the subtraction of a natural resource (grass field) with an acquisition of a comparable size  green space or equivalent in vegetation.

In the recent literature, SynTurf.org has come across two comparative cost estimates that compare the cost of natural grass with artificial turf. Both bode well for natural grass fields, because they calculate cost of maintenance in manner that it truly affects the financial and fiscal resources (bottom line) of a community.  

1. In relation to the Manchester Field renovation project, the town of Winchester, Mass. Will be considering appropriation for an artificial turf field. “A synthetic turf field would allow increased capacity and usage. It would also cost more money to maintain.

Information provided by the town shows that maintenance of a natural grass field would be about $22,100 compared with $38,100 for synthetic turf. The bulk of turf costs are for replacement, which would run about $37,000 annually. Eric Tseti, “Field of dreams depends on where you live,” April 23, 2008, available at http://www.wickedlocal.com/winchester/news/education/x1319858953.

2. “Tire Waste Athletic Fields Have Expensive Hidden Costs, read the title of a balance sheet  posted on http://sfparks.googlepages.com/claim6, a website dedicated to saving San Francisco area’s dwindling green space, especially from conversion to artificial turf. Based on figures obtained from San Francisco’s Parks and Recreation Department, the ledger includes two items that are rarely considered when municipalities try to sell a proposed turf installation to the taxpayers.

The average annual cost for the guaranteed life of 8 years is $106,000 for turf and $74,500 for grass. On a 15-year life span, the average annual cost for life of turf evens out with natural grass at $59,333.

The ledger also allows for the cost of disposal of turf, which is $1.75 - $2.25 per square foot, versus $0 for natural grass. This estimate does not include the cost of transportation or landfill surcharges for environmentally controlled products. 

[No. 16] Liverpool (NY) field closed due to drainage and substructure problems. In December 2007 the authorities closed the artificial turf field at Liverpool High School in Liverpool (NY). It was an AstroTurf brand, like the field that Syracuse area authorities closed on April 21, 2008 due to elevated lead readings. The problem that led to the closing of the turf filed in Liverpool was due to drainage issues and the field’s below-ground substructure. Sapna Kollali, “High lead levels in turf close C-NS field,” April 23, 2008, available at http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf?/base/news-14/120894131115030.xml&coll=1.

The Liverpool scenario raises two interesting points. First, given the drainage problems at the site, to what extended lead bearing fibers and leachate entered the soil and water resources connected to or abutting the field. Secondly, how does one safely dispose of the lead bearing fields not only in Liverpool and Cicero-North Syracuse high school but also with regard to the three that have been closed in New Jersey (and at what cost)? 

The purveyors of artificial turf fields often emphasize the environmentally friendly aspect of their product. The buyers are told that by installing the rubber infill variety of fields and other synthetic surfaces that one is helping the cause of recycling used tires and rubber and plastics from the municipal dumps. Mostly, however, artificial turf is touted for eliminating the need for pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers that are associated with natural grass playing fields; it requires neither watering nor mowing like grass. These claims are disingenuous because the maintenance of artificial turf has functions that are elaborate, often involving the application of chemicals, with specialized equipment. In order for the benefits of an artificial turf to be realized by the playing public, a rigorous maintenance regime is not only recommended by the manufacturers but is made necessary as matter of warranty or insurance coverage.

The sports field manager for the Detroit Lions football team, Charlie Coffin, told a reporter in May 2005 that "We were sold these fields on the basis that there would be no maintenance. That just wasn't true." [Lynne Brakeman, “Experts spell out the true cost of synthetic turf maintenance,” Athletic Turf News, May 24, 2005, available at http://www.athleticturf.net/athleticturf/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=162975].

The promoters of artificial turf are quick to point out “One of the advantages of artificial turf is that it is unaffected by weather conditions and that is resistant to almost every climatic condition.” Factually, the climate places limits on the playability of an artificial turf, just as it does on the players themselves. Extreme cold, ice and snow conditions, as well as thunder and lightning storms and heavy rain make the field as unusable as natural grass. In the words of Koninklijke Ten Cate, Nijverdal, Netherlands, a manufacturer of artificial turf, “Always available, but not always playable.” In other words, Artificial Turf: Nor for All Seasons!

No. 02] Ten Cate Thiolon Product Advisory

When the field is covered by a layer of snow, the game is played on the snow rather than the carpet itself. The snow protects the carpet from damage. Note that this will cause the snow to be compacted making further removal difficult. Also: If mechanical snow removal is required, one must ensure that (a) the carpet is not damaged by the removal procedure and (b) the players are not injured by remaining frozen material between the fibers. If there is a reason for removing snow however, use a wooden – never metal! – scrapper or a broom. “Playing under thaw or glaze ice conditions may render the field very slippery causing dangers for the players!”

Furthermore, according to Ten Cate advisory, polypropylene (PP) fibers should not be used for rubber-infill pitches nor for use at low temperatures. In cold (-15°C / 5°F) the PP transitions from rubber-like to glass-like, which makes the fiber brittle. Bottom-line: Polypropylene pitches are never to be used nor cleared at temperatures below 0°C (32°F).

Even the lower sliding resistance (LSR) fiber types should not be used in –20°C (-4°F) conditions. The LSR transition point is around -100°C / -150°F. Click here for full PFD version.

Winter has its challenges, but the real scourge of artificial turf is the fall season. The Ten Cate Thiolon Advisory (Issue 2005-03) on “Autumn-specific care and troubles” is reproduced here verbatim [Click here fr PDF version]:

Leave the leaves out please! Pollution is one of the enemies of an artificial turf pitch. The Autumn season forms an important hazard for pollution of the pitch. Leaves and twigs fall down or get blown onto the pitch. Combined with rain, pitches get slippery, systems compact and microclimates are created, enabling moss, bacteria and algae to flourish.

Consequences of pollution. Pollution is fatal to every artificial turf construction. Debris, leaves and small twigs, but also small particles like moss, algae and fine grains of sand can compact the top layer. This forms a hard layer that leads to slipperiness, reduced porosity and increased susceptibility to injuries. Also the lifespan of an artificial turf pitch, naturally, suffers from this.

Removal of leaves and twigs. Use a wide brush, a special vacuum cleaner or a leaf blower. This way the infill materials remain in place. When cleaning, also clean the area outside the playing surface.

TIP: If possible, have the fence around the (soccer) pitch installed at around 10 centimeters from the ground. Leaves can then be blown from the pitch directly.

Moss. Remove moss as soon as it appears with a high-pressure cleaner. If this is not possible due to the infill, moss-killing herbicides can be used. Be very careful with the choice and use of moss-killing herbicides, and always consult the installer of the pitch beforehand.

Bacteria and algae. The combination of “warm” artificial turf, water and particularly light, offers a perfect breeding ground for the growth of bacteria, and to a lesser degree algae, on the artificial turf fibers.

Prevent dirt from settling on the pitch. It is important only to step onto an artificial turf pitch with clean shoe soles. Furthermore the pitches themselves must also be swept and brushed. This also removes all organic materials that have been pressed slightly deeper into the surface. It reduces the formation of bacteria and the increase of algae. Nevertheless, if algae should still arise, then a method of suppression can be necessary.

Algae killer. Prevention of algae growth is hardly possible. Early detection is key, especially in shaded areas. For combating algae, products with the active agent “alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride” (a.o. Dimanin Spezial from Bayer) give very good results, without damaging the artificial turf fibers. In some cases it is possible to add this agent to an existing irrigation system.

In all cases use only carefully chosen products, and always consult the instructions on the package, and local regulations.

No. 03] Dollars and cents. When promoters or consultants are asked about the annual cost of maintaining an artificial turf field, most often I have heard estimates in the range of $5000 to $10,000 per year. It is upon pressing the promoters and agents for more realistic data that the estimates tend to get revised upward. The fact is that even an estimated maintenance cost of  $22,000 is not accurate, as that number is usually with respect to indoor fields and a few years behind the current price list.

Your estimates may also vary if you have an outdoors venue, particularly in a wooded area, snow and ice conditions, hot summer days, and where the local economy enjoys a higher standard of living. Your estimate will also differ if you have greater wear and tear, due to increased playing time, vandalism, and other factors. The cost of supplies, consulting, and maintenance equipment may be yet other factor in determining the ultimate maintenance annual. Extended warranty and insurance premiums too will increase the overall annual cost for the fields.

Below are summaries of two seminal works on maintenance cost of artificial turf fields. The first one form Missouri State University is about outdoor field and second one is from Michigan State University’s indoor facility. Instructive in the second summary is the cost schedules in reference to the type of maintenance service, price and equipments involved in the process. A third summary appears at the end of this section from anecdotal information obtained from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.

No. 05] Fouty's Perspective. Amy J. Fouty is the Michigan State University’ athletic turf manager. On May 11, 2005, she made a presentation at the Synthetic Turf Infill Seminar, in Detroit, Michigan, entitled “A Sports Field Manager’s Perspective: Synthetic Turf Construction Considerations, Maintenance Costs & Concerns." She stated, "There are concerns with regard to the safety of the products used to make the fields, as well as with how to clean and disinfect synthetic infill fields. Synthetic infill manufacturers need to get information and solutions out to the people who have to deal with these issues on a daily basis."

Among the problems tackled by Fouty was the removal of metal objects that got tossed or dropped on the field. She has her crew manufacture a field magnet that could be dragged over the field once or twice a year to capture the objects. Furthermore, "If you paint lines, the first time you groom over the lines the product spreads over the field. The dried paint is abrasive, slippery and the lines don't look good very long," she said. And, for the first few years, static control is a problem that requires a spray of diluted fabric softener. "It also takes away the old tire smell," Fouty said. "Without the fabric softener, our indoor facility smells like old tires and locker rooms."

Fouty’s presentation included a break down of the annual maintenance budget for MSU's 3-year-old synthetic infill field (indoor), which added up to nearly $23,000, on such items as equipment, outside contractors, materials, and labor for regular field grooming.

Outside Contractor Maintenance Charges

Synthetic Turf Maintenance Equipment : Total:  $8,250 to $82,000

2004-2005 Maintenance Budget

        (1 x per year; 20/hrs per application; 10 tons of top dressing at $500 per ton)

Overall Maintenance Cost

No. 06] Boston College Interview (May-June 2006). The Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts (Newton/Brookline) has had its rubber infill synthetic field since 2004. According to Mr. Joseph Shirley, Director of Facilities, the college should expect to replace the field within 7-10 years and not the 10-15 years often advertised. The BC field has following maintenance performed on it:

-- Since the infill is disrupted with usage, the field is “raked and flattened” every 2 weeks. This ensures that the rubber and sand infill is distributed evenly over the entirety of the field surface. BC purchased a machine as part of the overall construction project by Geller Associates, BC’s artificial turf contractor. The machine is made up of a tractor with various devices to rake and flatten the field and accessories for snow plowing, snow blowing, leaf blowing, and more.

--  After raking and flattening, the field appears black owing to the rise of sand and rubber to the surface. The field is watered with a sprinkler system to (i) eliminate severe static electricity and (ii) push the sand and rubber back into the base below the synthetic surface.

-- Geller Associates performs “deep tining” using much larger equipment with a bigger rake that goes down deeper into the surface and removes any bigger rocks or debris deeper in the bottom. It also removes any foreign debris (e.g., metallic, organic, etc.) that gets into the turf. This is done twice yearly at a cost of $3500 per application.

--  An anti-bacterial treatment is applied once monthly. This is sprayed on via a tractor with “fertilizer-type” sprayer once a month (probably not a good idea to spray on anti-bacterial agents with a device also used for fertilizer).

--  Rips are fixed periodically.

--  Based on full-time usage, a “bounce test” is performed every year to determine the status and viability (safety) of the field.

YMCA-Newton, Mass. 12/8/07

[No. 11] Bad Maintenance Practices at the West Suburban YMCA! Newton, SynTurf.org. December 8, 2007.  The general protocol for dealing with snow-covered artificial turf fields is as follows: When the field is covered with a layer of snow, the game is played on the snow rather than the carpet itself. The snow protects the carpet from damage. If mechanical snow removal is required, one must ensure that (a) the carpet is not damaged by the removal procedure and (b) the players are not injured by remaining frozen material between the fibers. However, if there is a reason for removing snow, one must use a wooden – never metal! – scrapper or a broom. Playing under thaw or glaze ice conditions may render the field very slippery causing dangers for the players! Source: Ten Cate Advisory on snow dealing with turf in snowy conditions, see http://www.synturf.org/maintenance.html [Item: No. 02].

That said – about 12:30 PM on December 8, 2007 (temp: low 40's degrees F), SynTurf.org noticed a group of four men vigorously at work on the artificial turf field at the West Suburban YMCA on Church Street, in Newton, Massachusetts. Each of the four was removing the snow with the help of a common household snow shovel. Two of the shovels appeared to be of the model that has a metal strip attached to the hard plastic edge.

SynTurf.org examined the pile that the crew had shoveled to the northern sideline and western end-zone. No broken polygrass was observed in the snow banks. However, the snow pile contained a generous amount of crumb rubber, which had been removed from the field in the process of snow removal.

Maintenance Question: Did the removal of the snow with shovels violate standard maintenance protocol?

Athletic Health: How safe is it to play on thawing turf or on a surface that is not cleared completely of slush?

[No. 12] Delaware Riverkeeper slams artificial turf on cost and other issues! October 16, 2007. In  a letter addressed to the Radnor Township [Pennsylvania] School Board, Delaware Riverkeeper (www.delawareriverkeeper.org) sought to dispel the myth associated with installation of artificial turf playing field at a middle school in the town. The letter pointed out, among other things, artificial turf costs excessively more than natural grass under every cost scenario applicable to the situation, and the environmental, educational and social affects of artificial turf could not be justified. See the text of the letter at http://www.delawareriverkeeper.org/newsresources/factsheet.asp?ID=53 (October 16, 2007). If this link does not work go here. 

DelawareRiverkeeper.org has a very well informed Fact Sheet on Artificial/Synthetic Turf. It can be accessed at http://www.delawareriverkeeper.org/newsresources/factsheet.asp?ID=50 (September 9, 2007). If this link does not work go here. It discusses the actual and potential adverse impact of artificial turf fields with regard to stormwater considerations, water quality issues (leachate and discharge containing harmful particulates and substances), heat island effect, and costs in dollars and cents terms.

From a cost standpoint, Fact Sheet states: “It is generally agreed that artificial turf costs more to install than natural grass, while natural grass costs more to maintain.  Installation and maintenance costs for each must be assessed on a case by case basis depending on site specific conditions.  But generally speaking, when the installation and maintenance costs of artificial turf are assessed for the life span of the turf, particularly when the cost of disposal is added, the cost of installing and maintaining natural grass is far less.  The guaranteed life and/or lifespan of artificial turf is 8 to 10 years.  Some attempt to claim a longer life in order to assert a lower annual cost.” Footnotes omitted.

The comparative cost figures for artificial turf and natural grass as set forth in Delaware Riverkeeper.org’s Fact Sheet:

Per San Francisco Recreation & Parks (2005):

Installation:                 turf $800,000    v.    natural grass  $260,000

Annual maintenance:  turf $6,000        v.    natural grass  $42,000

Cost of disposal: turf  unknown (significant/hazardous waste)   v.  natural grass  $0

Av. annual cost for   8 yrs:  turf  $106,000  v.   natural grass   $74,500

Av. annual cost for 10 yrs:  turf  $86,000    v.   natural grass   $68,000

Av. annual cost for 15 yrs:  turf  $59,333    v.   natural grass   $59,333  

Per Facts about Artificial Turf and natural Grass (Turfgrass Resource Center):

Cost of construction and maintenance per sq. ft.: turf  $7.80-$10.75  v. natural grass  $6.50-$7.95 (with high quality soil amendments), or $2.50-$5.25 (with native soils)

Cost of disposal per sq. ft.:  turf $1.75-$2.25  v. natural grass  $0

Springfield College case study installation and maintenance: turf &105,000  v. natural grass  $78,000

Av. annual cost for 8 yrs(without disposal cost): turf 800,000 install and annual maintenance of $5,000 v. natural grass $400,000 and $28,000, respectively

Av. annual cost for 10 yrs (without disposal cost): turf $85,000  v. natural grass $68,000

Av. annual cost for 25 yrs (without disposal cost): turf  $58,377  v. natural turf  $54,666

Per A Guide to Synthetic and Natural Turfgrass for Sports Fields:

Cost of installation per sq. ft.: turf  7.80-$10.75  v. natural grass  $2.50-$5.25 (if done with native soils), $3.50-$5.25 (if done with combination of native soils and sand), $6.50-$7.95 (if done with sand drainage)

Annual maintenance:  turf $5,000-$25,000  v. natural grass $4,000-$11,000 (per the case studies provided)

[No. 14] Auburn, New York: Cost of Turf Replacement In 10 Years’ Time Worries Board of Education Member. SynTurf.org, Newton, Mass. February 24, 2008.

Joseph Leogrande is a member of Auburn Enlarged City Board of Education. Auburn is small city located in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. The heart of Cayuga County, this city of some 32,000 people lies at the northern tip of Owasco Lake. This May, the voters in this educational district will be considering an ambitious project to renovate and expand the athletic facilities at Holland Stadium, which is located on the grounds of East Middle School. The $15.68 million capital project will pay also for the installation of synthetic turf at the stadium.

Leogrande has questioned the cost and environmental/health risks associated with artificial turf. In that, he is not alone as many around the country do make similar points about the product. Leogrande however has put his finger on something that hardly gets any attention – the cost of replacement of a turf field every 10 years or so. “Down the road, in 10 years, we're going to have to replace it with no state aid. It will be a full shot, like one or two million dollars,” he told Alyssa Sunkin of The Citizen . “Combined with the toxicity and the very expensive surface, I think we can put the money somewhere in the school for education,” he continued, “That's what we're here for.”

For more on this story, see Alyssa Sunkin, “Turf trials,” in The Citizen, February 9, 2008, available at http://www.auburnpub.com/articles/2008/02/10/local_news/news01.txt.

Even in this debate – the public needs to be told that the replacement happens every 10 years for as long as there is a field. The impression that the public pays for the turf once at installation and again for a replacement 10 years later supposes that a field will have useful life of 20 years total. That is not the case in most instances when a playing field, natural or artificial, would be a round for decades after decades.

[No. 15] Maintenance-free, eh? An Expert's checklist. SynTurf.org, Newton, Mass. March 17, 2008. For some time now, Syn Turf.org has been informing the public about the fallacious notion that artificial turf does not require maintenance. The maintenance-free or low-maintenance cost of turf is often touted as a selling point and the cost-conscious municipal officials tend to fall for this rouse, because in tough economic times the prospect of “savings” is an irresistible lure for the cash-strapped municipality that cannot afford to maintain its grass playing fields.  
In a recent article, Ron Hall, the editor of Athletic Turf News, discussed the necessity of good maintenance for artificial turf fields. Here are his 13-point recommendations -- the observance of which SynTurf.org assumes could add up to a good chunk of chnage: 

1. Acquire a maintenance log from the synthetic turf supplier and/or installer. If one is unavailable from the supplier or installer, fashion your own. This is a working document. Enter every maintenance procedure that you perform on the field into the log and date it.

2. Get the most complete and precise maintenance procedures you can from the synthetic supplier and/or installer. Following these recommendations will lessen the chances for disagreements over warranty issues and major repairs during the warranted life of the field.

3. Acquire, if possible, a list of recommended or suggested maintenance equipment and materials from the synthetic turf supplier or installer.

4. Your most important maintenance tool may be a fence around the field, with gated and locked entrances. Unattended fields invite unsupervised play and lend themselves to vandalism. Yes, these fields can sustain a lot of use, but it should be supervised use.

5. Signage at the field that clearly spells out guidelines in terms of use and what may or may not be brought onto the playing surface or its immediate area (gum, candy, glass containers, tobacco products, etc.) tells users at a glance that you’re serious about keeping the playing surface clean and safe.

6. Keep trash or litter containers near the sports fields so that users and spectators can dispose of cans, paper and other materials rather than pitching them onto the ground.

7. Develop a strategy to keep materials such as leaves, twigs, grass clippings or wrappers and other wind-blown debris off the field. You don’t want this material to get crushed or ground into and contaminate the infill. The fence around the field will solve keep some wind-blow material off your fields. Many field managers now use push or pull gasoline-powered blowers to remove litter from their fields. Backpack blowers can do the job, as well, as long as operators are careful not to disturb the infill.

8. Inspect fields regularly for damage or unusual wear. Pay special attention to areas that receive lots of traffic (goal mouths and corner kick areas of soccer pitches, the edges of infields on baseball and softball fields, between the hashmarks on football fields) to maintain adequate levels of infill material.

9. Keep a supply of extra synthetic material, glue and other materials to make minor repairs as needed?

10. If possible, keep on hand some extra infill material (perhaps a 55-gal. barrel) to replace what's lost through normal use.

11. Develop a routine for drag matting or brushing your synthetic field to redistribute/even the infill and restore the “grass” blades to an upright position.

12. Equipment is now available to "pick up", filter and return infill material to the surface of synthetic fields. Look for manufacturers to introduce more units to collect infill material, filter it and redistribute it evenly over the surface of a playing surface.

13. The question of sanitizing synthetic fields in light of concerns over the presence of community-acquired MRSA is a difficult one. There have been statements made that rain cleanses these fields, which seems unlikely, inasmuch as even in areas with regular rain car washes seem to do quite well. Also, it's been claimed that environmental conditions, in particular, sunlight and heat destroy MRSA bacteria, which seems reasonable. But what about spring and fall play when these fields are most used for youth sports, often during cloudy, cooler conditions? While other sports surfaces, including locker rooms, training equipment and wresting mats, to name a few, are more likely to harbor MRSA bacteria, the degree of risk of infection from synthetic sports fields remains a matter of lively debate.

“We hope, however, that these suggestions alert you to the very real need to maintain your synthetic turf fields,” wrote Hall. “Remember, the financial investment in these fields is sizable, and your responsibility to provide safe playing conditions for athletes.”