|
|
Post by rpetrie on Mar 9, 2014 8:12:00 GMT -6
My district is pushing for a bond that would turf our 2 primary athletic game fields. Does anyone have turf and regret the switch? If so why?
|
|
|
|
Post by coachd5085 on Mar 9, 2014 10:11:54 GMT -6
My district is pushing for a bond that would turf our 2 primary athletic game fields. Does anyone have turf and regret the switch? If so why?
I can't speak to regrets necessarily, but I do think it is important for the decisions makers to realize that the fields DO have a Limited Life. They will have to be replaced in the future--and while most case studies have shown artificial fields are less expensive than natural fields, a large unanticipated capital outlay in the future could really be troublesome for the district. Establishing a sinking fund for field replacement could ease this burden, but it is tough to explain to voters that we are keeping $10K- $15K every year in a fund for something 15 years from now... |
|
|
|
Post by Chris Clement on Mar 9, 2014 11:48:37 GMT -6
I took a good look at the numbers a while back and it works if and only if you have the field being used as often as possible. Any time the field sits vacant is costing you money, and any time the field is in use it's saving you money, since the turf field doesn't cost extra to be used, whereas the grass field does. Either rent the field to youth groups or other teams or adult leagues or have every team in the school use it. Try to get one of the fields with the line markings on it for as many other sports as possible.
|
|
|
|
Post by bluboy on Mar 9, 2014 12:07:13 GMT -6
The only problem we have is that now everyone(including outside organizations) wants on the turf. School district did not pay for it. Parents raised $$$ and had it installed, then gave it to district. Now everyone wants on turf as much as possible. Creates some real scheduling issues.
BUT, with all that said, we have no regrets about having turf.
|
|
|
|
Post by rpetrie on Mar 9, 2014 16:01:02 GMT -6
Thanks for the responses so far...I realize that requests for use are a major concern and that's why I feel they are doing the 2 fields. The stadium field (meaning with bleachers & lights) will be lined for football, lacrosse & soccer. Second field (no lights) will be lined for soccer, lacrosse & field hockey. Besides the 2 turf fields we have 3 more full grass fields for soccer, field hockey & lacrosse as well so there is not a space issue for practice while games are being played. Football has a slightly undersized grass field that is shared by all levels of the program.
As far as use goes I can't see the facilities going without being used virtually every day in the Fall/Spring. As far as current use on our grass fields (no lights) we have.
Football (Var, JV, MS)
B/G Soccer (Var, JV)...MS teams play at MS grass fields
B/G Lax (Var, JV, MS)
Field Hockey (Var, JV)...MS team plays at MS grass field
Use by the local youth groups would probably be:
Football (3-4 games every Sunday...practices 2-3 days per week in Summer/Fall)
Soccer (3-4 days per week Spring/Summer/Fall)
Lax (6 days per week in Spring, 2-3 days per week in Summer/Fall)
Even in the winter time there are teams looking for field space when weather permits now. This doesn't include non-community teams that would potentially pay for use.
ARE THERE any unforeseen costs outside of replacement that come up that might be maintenance related?
|
|
|
|
Post by Chris Clement on Mar 9, 2014 21:54:51 GMT -6
Unforeseen costs are mostly related to improper installation, so make sure you get it done right.
|
|
|
|
Post by Chris Clement on Mar 10, 2014 8:47:19 GMT -6
The occasional garbage sweep will be needed, try as you might to keep crap off it.
|
|
|
|
Post by jrk5150 on Mar 10, 2014 13:29:03 GMT -6
Consider this - a bad turf field that's falling apart can be virtually unplayable, so you HAVE to be committed to replacing it when needed. You can play on dirt, much more dangerous to play on a turf field that is coming apart at the seams.
Our HS has two turf fields - the primary game field/stadium with lights, and a full regulation practice field without lights. Both are used by football, soccer, and lacrosse.
|
|
|
|
Post by rpetrie on Mar 10, 2014 19:37:46 GMT -6
Consider this - a bad turf field that's falling apart can be virtually unplayable, so you HAVE to be committed to replacing it when needed. You can play on dirt, much more dangerous to play on a turf field that is coming apart at the seams. Our HS has two turf fields - the primary game field/stadium with lights, and a full regulation practice field without lights. Both are used by football, soccer, and lacrosse. Soooo...are you glad that you have the turf or not? Has there been issues with seams/rips/etc.??
|
|
|
|
Post by jrk5150 on Mar 11, 2014 12:55:56 GMT -6
Consider this - a bad turf field that's falling apart can be virtually unplayable, so you HAVE to be committed to replacing it when needed. You can play on dirt, much more dangerous to play on a turf field that is coming apart at the seams. Our HS has two turf fields - the primary game field/stadium with lights, and a full regulation practice field without lights. Both are used by football, soccer, and lacrosse. Soooo...are you glad that you have the turf or not? Has there been issues with seams/rips/etc.??
Sorry! Yes, I am very glad we have turf. We've had it for 6 years now, and it's just starting to show some wear on a couple of isolated seams on the main field, which gets a lot more use than the practice field. Most of the programs in our league now have turf, I think there are maybe one or two still on grass. |
|
|
|
Post by piratefootball on Mar 12, 2014 6:27:54 GMT -6
We have had ours for 7 years and the only real wear is the splitting at a seam and field turf comes and takes care of that for free. Buy a sweeper at the same time so you can brush it a few times a year. After about 5 years you need to have someone come in and fill in the lower spots (I didn't even notice there were any)with a machine. Biggest issue is making sure football gets on the field. Some schools have all the soccer teams on it as well and seems like football is only on it 1 or 2 times a week. Not sure you will have lots of say in that.
If you can get it, do it! Field turf has a great product and customer service.
|
|
|
|
Post by casec11 on Mar 12, 2014 14:02:01 GMT -6
Turf fields are great, no mud, it's awesome. HOWEVER...you WILL forever be infested by the black rubber pellets in every shoe that touches it, and as it wears, you'll also get a nice coating of the grass on your shoes. In both cases it's only a matter of time until you forget to take your shoes and socks off before going in your house and then you'll never get rid of it ever again. My girlfriend still finds rubber pellets and grass on some of her things and she doesn't even live with me. My wife knows its football season when those black pellets end up everywhere especially at the front door. |
|
