athletic field design v4i12
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2| Athletic Facility DesignTRANSCRIPT
2 | Athletic Facility Design
Athletic Facility Design | 3
Athletic Facility Design magazine is aresource for architects, engineers,consultants, athletic directors, stadiummanagers, school district administrators, aswell as owners and developers of pay-for-play recreational facilities. Designedto feature synthetic turf innovations andinstallations, Athletic Facility Design seeksto educate and inform those influencing theconstruction, renovation, and maintenanceof athletic facilities.
Athletic Facility Design is published by Oser-Bentley Custom Publishers, LLC, a division of OserCommunications Group, Inc., 1877 N. Kolb Road,Tucson, AZ 85715. Phone (520) 721-1300, fax (520)721-6300, www.oser.com. Oser-Bentley CustomPublishers, LLC specializes in creating andpublishing custom magazines. Editorial comments:Karrie Welborn, [email protected]. Please call or faxfor a new subscription, change of address, or singlecopy. This publication may not be reproduced in partor in whole without the express written permission ofOser-Bentley Custom Publishers, LLC. To advertise inan upcoming issue of this publication, please contactus at (520) 721-1300 or visit us on the web atwww.oser-bentley.com. December 2010
Inside This Issue4 High School Football
Favors FieldTurfSynthetic turf stands up to high school demands.
7 FieldTurf FirmlyPlanted in the Garden State50 new installations brings FieldTurfcount to more than 340 fields.
10 The Community that Keeps on GivingBooster Club turns fundraising into a community event and brings FieldTurf to Veterans Field inMinnetonka, Minnesota.
11 Tarkett SportsInnovation BringsSynthetics To Life! Revolutionary Omnisports 8.3mmcolored maple wood patterns createsexcitement in sports flooring.
12 Humble ISD inMaryland ReceivesBeynon Makeover Turner Stadium’s makeover is a huge success.
13 Protect Your FieldTurf with FieldTurf ArmourOpen the field for events withoutcausing damage when you use FieldTurf Armour.
Volume 4 • Issue 12
Publisher
Oser-Bentley Custom Publishers, LLC.a division of Oser Communications Group
www.oser-bentley.com
Senior EditorKarrie Welborn
Art DirectorValerie Wilson
Graphic DesignerYasmine Brown
Project Manager
Jason Smollett
hen it was time for us to replace our fields with newgeneration synthetic turf, we based our decision onmany factors, including product performance, durability,financial strength, warranty and customer service.
FieldTurf proved to be superior in every category and our field is oneof, if not the best, in our region.
The durability, drainage and safety features built into the system arewhat separate this engineered product from the rest. It is clear thatproducing a quality product and providing first-class service are toppriorities at FieldTurf.
In addition to its performance characteristics, the FieldTurf system isless expensive than natural grass by a mile.
We have played on other synthetic surfaces, produced by othercompanies, and the vote is unanimous among our players and staff:FieldTurf is the best surface we’ve played on. I cannot give a higherrecommendation for any product that we use. The quality of theFieldTurf surface and the quality of customer service we have receivedis unmatched.
Greg FicarraAthletic Director at Perth Amboy High School
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4 | Athletic Facility Design
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
merican football has been around for decades. It began as
a transition from English rugby, also called football, which
then evolved into the uniquely American game that is
played today. From adolescence to high school, college to
the oh-so-lucrative professional employment, football is a sport that
is woven into the very atmosphere of America.
From the first games played in schools in the early 1900s, football was
played on grass, which often turned to mud, or slush—depending onA
High School FootballFavors FieldTurfSynthetic turf stands up to high school demands
By Karrie Welborn
Athletic Facility Design | 5
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
whatever weather was occurring at the time. Weather made the game
more challenging, but it also made the play inherently more dangerous.
The rough and tumble of strong young bodies charging into one another
meant the possibility of broken bones and bruised muscles. Head
injuries and sometimes, permanent injury to players, was also possible.
For at least 60 years though, grass was all that was available.
When artificial turf was first used, it was hailed as a great
improvement over grass. Unfortunately, early “created” turf proved, at
times, to actually be harsher than grass. The first round of artificial turf
was more akin to laying a carpet over asphalt than it was a true
substitute for a grass field. Popularity for the artificial fields began to
wane. At a perfect time in this potential transition back to grass, along
came FieldTurf whose founders, former professional sportsmen, not
only researched what went wrong with earlier artificial turf, but sought
to create improvements that would reduce injury. Unlike the carpet-like
original, FieldTurf is comprised of individually created blades, which,
like blades of grass, move with the player. What FieldTurf fields do not
do, is turn to mud, mush or puddles by weather and trampling feet.
Slowly, as the new century took hold, so too did this newer, safer,
improved turf with its patented sand and rubber infill system.
As knowledge of the safety factors became visible through actual
use, high schools as well as professional ball teams began to look at
FieldTurf as a viable option for sports facilities. The new turf is safe
for young adult players as well as professionals. In high schools,
fields are used for physical education classes and often for
community events as well. This means that the fields are in constant
use, not simply during a game. The need for low-maintenance, high-
use, all-weather fields was a priority for high schools in America, and
FieldTurf was the answer.
As the second decade of the 21st century begins, FieldTurf’s long
history of innovation and product development means more and
more high schools are opting for FieldTurf.
6 | Athletic Facility Design
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Mission Viejo High SchoolMission Viejo, CaliforniaBob Johnson, Head Coach at Mission Viejo High School in Mission
Viejo, Calif. noted that although he had always been “old school” in
terms of grass vs. artificial turf, his experience with the high school’s
FieldTurf has essentially won him over. In its fourth year, the field
continues to be a positive addition to the athletic department.
According to Johnson, organizations that need a great deal of usage,
like schools do, are served well by FieldTurf. The need to have the
field available and ready at all times, for physical education classes
as well as competitive sports, is just one of the positives FieldTurf
brings to the school. He added that generally, even after intense
weather, the field is playable within an hour or so. The consistent
surface, he maintained, is helpful to the youth who play the field.
Maintenance, which is also a key factor when considering FieldTurf,
was equally high on Johnson’s list, along with customer service.
Saint Thomas Aquinas High SchoolFort Lauderdale, FloridaGeorge Smith has been coaching football at Saint Thomas Aquinas
High School (STA) for 39 years. Currently the school’s Athletic Director,
Smith has seen a lot of high school football, and a lot of football turf.
In 2007, the high school had FieldTurf installed in Brian Piccolo
Memorial Stadium, primarily because of the low cost of maintenance.
The field has heavy usage from freshman to varsity teams in football,
lacrosse and soccer—not to mention the physical education classes.
Approximately 2,000 students utilize the fields in various classes and
sports. In a single day there can be as much as three hours of boys
physical education, the varsity football team practice after school,
and in the evenings soccer practice for both boys and girls.
Smith said he believed FieldTurf was safer than grass fields for
youth to play on because it was not possible to keep grass fields
maintained in exactly the same way at all times. With grass, if it is cut
a fraction higher or lower the field will play differently. With FieldTurf,
the field is always consistent and the play is level from game to game.
He mentioned as well, that when a student hits the sand/rubber infill
it is deep enough to dissipate the shock. “There are a lot less injuries,”
Smith noted, “because cleats don’t stick in FieldTurf. It is an
unbelievable, really, really special field.”
Colerain High SchoolCincinnati, OhioWhen the Cincinnati Bengals decided to have FieldTurf installed in
Paul Brown Stadium, the install became an incentive for Colerain
High School to purchase FieldTurf. Colerain’s Athletic Director, Dan
Bolden, said that back in 2004, when the Bengals were installing
their FieldTurf at Bengals Stadium, Colerain was given the
opportunity to have the high school’s field installed as well. As
they had already decided the price was right, the immediacy that
was available due to the Bengals’ installation became a clincher in
the decision-making process.
The field is used not only for football, and physical education,
but a semi-pro team in the area uses it for practice. The local
peewee soccer teams play on the turf. The YMCA lacrosse team
plays on it even though they have to chalk their lines on with
removable chalk paint. The current freshmen at Colerain like the
turf because as middle school students, they have already played
on it, and enjoyed it.
The high school trainer, said Bolden, believes injuries are not as
dramatic or as often—for example, there are fewer twisted ankles
because with FieldTurf there are no potholes in which young ankles
can be tripped.
The Colerain Cardinals won the State Championship the first year
the field was in place. “We were good before the FieldTurf was
installed,” Bolden said. “I like to believe we would have won on any
field, but the fact is, we won on FieldTurf.” He added that because
they are a team that runs the ball rather than throws it, the
consistency of the turf could certainly have contributed to their game.
“I will never go back to grass,” he concluded.
Better Play. More Safety. “Consistent” is the word most often used by high school athletic
personnel to describe their experience with FieldTurf. Safety, the
number one consideration of high school coaches, trainers and
athletic directors, is well-served by FieldTurf’s consistent playing
surface. With FieldTurf, problems such as divots, mud and slickness,
which can cause injury, do not occur. Although it is true that injury
can occur in any contact sport, when playing surfaces become
weather-influenced or simply uneven, injuries can occur more
frequently. With FieldTurf, the consistency not only helps young
athletes play better, it allows them to play more safely. ♦
Athletic Facility Design | 7
NEW JERSEY INSTALLATIONS
FieldTurf Firmly Plantedin the Garden State50 FieldTurf fields installed in 2010
chools, municipalities and sports organizations at all levels
across the great state of New Jersey have once again made
FieldTurf the number one choice of artificial turf systems.
2010 was another record-setting year for FieldTurf with 50
sports field installations in New Jersey alone. The feedback from
FieldTurf’s customers indicates this is largely due to the product’s
unrivaled safety features, its longevity and many characteristics that
make it a great investment.
Adding 50 more installs in New Jersey in 2010 brings the
total number of FieldTurf installations in the Garden State to more
than 340.
As 2010 comes to a close, FieldTurf is once again the product of
choice by an overwhelming margin—nine out of 10 organizations
purchasing synthetic turf fields in 2010 chose FieldTurf.
One of the higher profile users selecting FieldTurf was the
NY Giants/NY Jets at the New Meadowlands Stadium. FieldTurf
introduced an exclusive, innovative end zone tray system at the
new stadium so that each NFL team has its own custom end zones.
Other users such as high school teams and collegiate squads play
over a third set of trays which are
just green. The NY Giants also
have FieldTurf for the indoor and
outdoor fields at their Timex
training facility.
Rutgers University recently
upgraded to FieldTurf as part of
their football stadium expansion
program, while Princeton
University installed its third
and fourth FieldTurf surfaces
this year.
Fairleigh Dickenson also chose
FieldTurf for a third time for its
baseball stadium field upgrade.
Rider University was added to
the already impressive list of
collegiate users in the state.
FieldTurf is now used at 23
college-level fields in New Jersey
alone, representing almost all
collegiate-level fields throughout
the state.
High school users of FieldTurf
remain the product’s number one
fans. New Jersey is now home to a total of 150 high school fields,
with more than 110 of them public high schools. In 2010, 16 new
high schools chose FieldTurf. Ten were public high schools and six
were private.
FieldTurf is proud to announce the recent addition of six new fields
at the private high school level: Oratory Prep, Notre Dame Prep High
School, Red Bank Catholic High School, Union Catholic High School,
and Delbarton Prep with two fields.
Private high school users now total 37, which include some
nationally recognized athletic programs such as Don Bosco
Prep, Bergen Catholic, St. Peters Prep, St. Joe’s High School and
many others.
With regards to the obvious preference of FieldTurf systems
throughout the state of New Jersey since 1998, almost every college
in New Jersey using an infilled artificial turf surface selected FieldTurf
over all others.
FieldTurf’s 50 fields amount to more than 4 million square feet
of artificial turf installed in 2010 on sports fields in the state of
New Jersey. ♦
S
Notre Dame High School
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL
The Community thatKeeps on GivingVeterans Field, Minnetonka, Minnesota
s 2010 draws to a close, Minnetonka High School moves
into its fifth year of play on their FieldTurf field. The turf is
a part of the Athletic Complex, a $3.5 million project
funded privately through the Minnetonka Diamond Club in
2006. The Diamond Club was initially created as a booster club for
the high school, which then evolved into a very successful, nonprofit
fundraising entity for the community.
With the strong commitment of the varied but intertwined
partnerships within the area, a FieldTurf multi-sport, multi-purpose
field was purchased for the school district and the community. The
field was named Veterans Field by Cambria, a contributor to this
project, to honor all men and women who have served in the
country’s military. It also creates an awareness concerning local
veterans. By bringing together disparate aspects of the town—local
businesses, individuals, families and sports leagues—the ongoing
fundraising process has created a greater sense of community. This
community cooperation and solidarity allowed the field to be
purchased and the complex built without any tax dollars assessed.
The field is also home ground for Minnetonka’s Class A baseball team,
the Minnetonka Millers.
The field itself, located at the high school in the center of town, is
220 yards by 250 yards and with the movement of some fences, can
be either a baseball field or two full 100-yard football fields. Even the
pitcher’s mound is covered with FieldTurf, and is moveable.
The high school’s Varsity Baseball Coach Paul Twenge, said that
on any given day hundreds of young people use the field either
through physical education classes, team practice, speed and
strength training or actual team play. In the evenings the youth
baseball and football associations schedule two to six games during
their respective seasons. Elementary and junior high students also
use the field. According to the Diamond Club’s website, at least
3,000 youth play on Veterans Field within a year. Twenge explained
that as many as 260 events can occur on the field annually. In short,
the FieldTurf surface is used constantly and concurrently for a
variety of practices, events and league games. The community is
tremendously committed to youth, noted Twenge. Although sports
are a major factor, the commitment, he said, goes far beyond
athletics even though it was the need for a new high school playing
field that initiated the fundraising.
When asked what made the field so wonderful, Twenge said that
easy maintenance, injury reduction, ball bounce and better play
were all reasons the field was excellent. He was especially
enthused about the drainage system. He cited a day he witnessed
the edge of a tornado and torrential rains while sitting in the
dugout. By the time the rain stopped, he said, one and a half to
two inches of water had pounded down and onto the field. If it had
been natural grass, further play that evening would have been
impossible. With FieldTurf’s drainage system, the field was cleared
of water within 22 minutes. There was no water residue on the
field and the game continued.
Twenge was also very pleased with the clarity of the sales people.
He commented, “The product they described is the product we
received.” Once installed, Twenge added, the service was quick, rapid
and complete.
From his perspective of 30 years in baseball, Twenge said,
“FieldTurf is the only way to go.” ♦
Karrie Welborn
A
Veterans Field
Athletic Facility Design | 11
Tarkett Sports Innovation Brings Synthetics To Life! Omnisports 8.3mm colored, maple wood patterns
or decades basketball was played exclusively on
hardwood maple floors. The surface was favored for its
ball return and shock absorbing properties in addition
to its reputation for durability. Over time, realizations
were made concerning hardwood maple, specific to the costs
required to maintain it and its vulnerabilities as a multipurpose
surface. For many high-schools and other educational
organizations, justifying the costly upfront and long-term
resources needed for a hardwood maple sports surface was
difficult to do on an already limited budget. The fact that
hardwood is not the most conducive to civic activities made it
even more difficult to support. Addressing these issues, Tarkett
Sports successfully introduced a cost-effective synthetic sports
surface called Omnisports that provided excellent safety,
performance and maintenance friendly benefits. The foam-backed
sport vinyl flooring incorporated a realistic synthetic maple
pattern designed to replicate the appearance of natural hardwood
maple. Completing the range were 10 solid color and three
additional wood species options.
In early 2010 Tarkett launched an innovative and exciting
sports flooring design: four colored wood-looking patterns that
help to bring the synthetic surface to life. As opposed to
traditional installation methods that incorporate plain solid colors
for basketball keys or perimeter areas, Tarkett Sports’ Omnisports
and the four colored wood-looks now allow for the integration of
realistic colored maple planks. The new Omnisports stained
maple is available in red, blue, green and grey and already it is
in strong demand amongst the architectural and athletic
community. The consistent surface texture between the colored
maple and traditional maple results in a safe and dependable
sports floor. Athletes and coaches can now experience the same
levels of performance throughout the court without having to
compromise on appearance.
Innovation is one of the things Tarkett Sports does best, and
their most recent example, the above-mentioned Omnisports
8.3mm colored wood-look flooring, is particularly important.
Cost-conscious athletic or academic programs that are looking
for a surface that offers safety, performance and multipurpose
use, but not interested in the expensive costs associated with
natural hardwood courts now have an incredible alternative.
Thanks to this new colored maple design, it has become
increasingly difficult to tell the difference between a synthetic
and hardwood court and Tarkett Sports takes great satisfaction
in that. “Any gymnasium, whether it is in a high-school, a
recreational center or a church, is often a great source of pride
and joy for the owners, the end-users and the community,” said
Stephane Leudet, Vice President of Tarkett Sports’ indoor division.
“It is very important, as a manufacturer of synthetic sports
surfacing, to commit to developing products that our customers
can trust and take pleasure in. The launch of this new product
provides for the most realistic synthetic maple surface on the
market and it feels as great as it looks. When we introduce the
product to the customer and we see their level of excitement, at
that point I know that we have done our job.” ♦
FTarkett Omnisports
12 | Athletic Facility Design
BEYNON
Humble ISD in Maryland ReceivesBeynon MakeoverInstallation of BSS 1000 13mm at Humble ISD
hen Humble ISD officially
re-opened Turner Stadium to
show off their extreme
makeover on Aug. 26, 2010,
the only thing missing was Ty Pennington
shouting, “Move that bus!” The $19.9 million
renovation saw nearly every part of the
stadium receiving much needed upgrades.
Turner Stadium was originally built in the
1960s when there was just one high school
in the district. In subsequent years, four
more schools were built that called Turner
Stadium home. The time was right for a
much needed facelift. Improvements
included new grandstands with more
legroom to seat more than 10,000 people, a
new field house, open air ticket booths, a
remodeled two-story press box, concession
stands, upgraded restroom facilities,
improved parking, stadium lighting and
new entrance sidewalks.
“We literally left the grass in the
middle of the stadium as the only thing
that hasn’t been replaced,” said Deborah
Yocham, Humble ISD Director of Facility
Planning and Construction.
One of the biggest upgrades was a total
resurfacing of the track surface and the
addition of a steeple chase. Beynon Sports
Surfaces was selected as the surface
provider due to their reputation for quality
products and service. Another reason for
choosing Beynon was that Texas’ Mike A.
Myers Stadium (where the state meet is
held) also uses the BSS 1000 13mm
surface. Humble ISD Athletic Director Troy
Kite wanted to mirror the track surface so
his athletes would be familiar with it during
the state meet.
“At Beynon we not only strive to provide a
great product that meets the demands of our
clients but also to give a service that
surpasses expectations,” commented Drew
Beynon, Vice President of Beynon Sports.
The renovations were a critical factor in
the selection of the stadium as host to the
track and field events of the 2012 Amateur
Athletics Union Junior Olympics (AAUJO).
The competition is expected to attract
between 10,000-15,000 athletes with
upwards of 30,000 spectators, with the
track and field events drawing the largest
number of participants. It is anticipated
that much of the estimated $40 million
in tourist revenue will be spent in the
Humble area.
Not only will Turner Stadium be home
to the 2012 AAUJO, they will continue to
host the Class 5A Region III and the
Class 3A Region III track and field
championships for the foreseeable future,
despite the fact that the schools in their
district have been moved to another
region. That vote of confidence is not only
a testament to the way the championships
are run, but to the surface on which they
are contested as well.
“We feel like we have the total package for
track and field,” remarked Kite. “We believe
it to be one of the top two or three high
school facilities in the entire state, and
probably the nicest in the Houston area.” ♦
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Athletic Facility Design | 13
FIELDTURF ARMOUR
Protect Your FieldTurf with FieldTurf ArmourProtective flooring for athletic facilities
hen a school district or a community invests
hundreds of thousands of dollars in the capital
purchase of artificial turf, it is advantageous to
invest in protection for that turf at the same time.
An organization’s return on its investment of FieldTurf is always high,
and that return becomes stronger when FieldTurf Armour is included
in the initial package. This multi-directional ribbed under-structure
prevents damage to a FieldTurf surface when hosting large events on
the field. However, if the Armour for the turf is not a part of the
original purchase, it is available at any time and will, at any time, add
to the value of the athletic field or sports facility.
With FieldTurf Armour placed over the field, a stadium is
transformed into a venue for non-sports events such as graduations,
concerts, assemblies, trade shows and other large gatherings. Armour
is easily set-up and dismantled, and is completely expandable. Also,
by selling time/use of the athletic facility to other organizations and
businesses in the community, additional income can be generated.
FieldTurf Armour is the best product for protecting FieldTurf
itself. FieldTurf Armour comes in light/neutral colors to keep glare
and heat at a minimum; however, customizing is available for logos
or specific colors. There are three turf protection options that an
organization or community can choose from when planning
protection of their turf during a non-game event. These are: General
Purpose Turf Protection (GP); Medium-Duty Turf Protection (MD); and
Heavy-Use Turf Protection & Portable Roadway (HU).
Increase your return while taking care of your investment in turf by
using FieldTurf Armour! ♦
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Paul Brown Stadium
FieldTurf Armour GP General Purpose Turf Protection
• Tile size: 4" x 12" x 3/4"• Module Size: 36" x 48" x 3/4"• Weight: 0.81 lbs per sq ft• Supports: 8,000 lbs per sq ft• Suitable for guest areas, chairs and
light equipment• Does not require tools – snap
connection system• Expansion joint modules to control
expansion issues outdoors• Transition edging
FieldTurf Armour MD Medium-Duty Turf Protection
• Tile Size: 12" x 24" x 1-1/8"• Module Size: 36" x 48" x 1-1/8"• Weight; 1.44 lbs per sq ft• Supports: 20,000 lbs per sq ft• Suitable for guest areas, chairs, equipment
and staging areas• Does not require tools – snap
connection system• Expansion joint modules to control
expansion issues outdoors• Transition edging
FieldTurf Armour HU Heavy-Use Turf Protection and Portable Roadway
• Module size: 42" x 42" x 2"• Weight: 2.45 lbs per sq ft• Supports: 25,000 lbs per sq ft chairs,
equipment, staging, trailers, vehicles and trucks
• Integrated self-aligning hook-and-loopconnection system
• Secondary camlock system adds ballast• Transition edging
14 | Athletic Facility Design
FieldTurf would like to thank the following advertisers for
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Musco Lighting .......................................................... Back Coverwww.musco.com
Pioneer Athletics ...................................................................... 2www.pioneerathletics.com
TenCate Grass......................................................................... 15www.tencategrass.com
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Athletic Facility Design8088 Montview RoadMontreal, QC, Canada H4P2L7