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by Dave Parker

There are a large number of qualified contractors available when considering the natural grass option, and depending on the sport to be played a variety of grass species possible. When considering the artificial turf option the two major types commonly used on athletic fields are AstroTurf and SuperTurf. Both are proven products and have a large number of installations. SuperTurf is the newer product with the first field placed about 1975, while AstroTurf installations began in 1965. There have been a number of improvement made in both turf's since the first generation of surfaces.

While a number of individual theories exist regarding injuries on natural grass as opposed to synthetic turf, according to a number of national studies on athletic injuries there is no significant difference in the number of major injuries reported while participating on grass or artificial turf fields. A study by the NFL concluded that there were slightly fewer serious injuries on artificial turf compared to natural grass, though synthetic fields reported more minor injuries. (Serious injury is one causing a player to miss one or two games).

A primary consideration when comparing artificial vs. natural is the amount and type of usage the field/facility is proposed to have. Synthetic turf fields provide a stadium with a surface that can be used with unlimited frequency for various sports (football, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, etc.) plus miscellaneous events (band competitions, concerts, drill teams, intra-murals, etc.) Even with frequent usage and inclement weather, synthetic fields remain consistent for major events.

In order to maintain natural grass surfaces in good condition, it is recommended that there use is limited to 10-15 football games per year, or one other sporting function per week. And, a game played on a natural grass surface in inclement weather, rainy weather can damage the turf for an extensive period, or require additional expense to speed up the restoration process.

 

NATURAL GRASS (Cell-System, Sand Based)

Initial Capital Cost

a. Excavate existing site, install new drainage and irrigation systems, install sand fill and grow grass (seed/sod)

b. Provide necessary equipment to maintain and operate the system.

c. Cost for contractor to maintain field during initial growth period.

Future Capital Cost

a. Periodic equipment replacement - can be handled by periodic purchase or as an annualized cost on a depreciated basis.

b. Periodic replacement of irrigation and drainage piping, equipment, etc.

c. Periodic replacement of field tarps.

Annualized Operating Cost

a. Materials required include: water, fertilizer, fungicides/pesticides, other chemicals/lime, striping paint/vegetable dyes, fuel/oil/etc. to operate equipment, seed and or re-sod materials.

b. Labour to apply materials, related functions plus mowing, aerating, divot replacement, area sod replacement, reseeding etc.

c. Equipment In addition to capital expenditures rental equipment may be needed such as: portable cranes to remove goal posts, portable stages etc. Aeration, sod cutting equipment, etc.

Cost for a natural grass field ranges from $300,00 and up. Maintenance begins at $30,000 and can go as high as $100,000/year. The industry standard for expected years of use for synthetic turf is 10 years, maintenance is $5,000/year, including the cost of a power sweeper pro-rated over 10 years. A useful size for a multipurpose field is 75,000 sq. ft., with subbase costs conservatively estimated at $4.00/sq. ft. Turf cost is figured at $9.00/sq. ft.

SYNTHETIC TURF

Initial Capital Cost

a. Excavation, paving, drainage and installation of synthetic turf.

b. Operating equipment required - vacuum sweeper, line striper, painting templates.

Future Capital Cost

a. Field replacement is done by determining the useful service life interval. Subbase repairs/rework should be minimal at the time of replacement. "Old" turf may have resale, salvage value.

b. Operating maintenance equipment replacement either per capital cost or per annualized depreciation.

Annualized Operating Cost

a. Materials required include: paints and solvents, water - for periodic wetdown and field washing, fuels to operate equipment, adhesives for first echelon maintenance.

b. Labor to sweep field, wet/wash-down field, touch-up painting, restriping.

c. Equipment may be required to rent for specialized operations.

It would appear that while many sports purists would prefer to see only natural grass fields, the decision of which surface to install should take into consideration its long term intended use, and if that schedule includes heavy use and the need for diversity, a serious argument can be made for artificial turf. The factors of of potential injury to athletes, well, that we will save for another story.

Dave Parker is an associate writer with Cornerstones Magazine.

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