Page 1 of 9 Report PR-3-13
Parks and Recreation
TO: Community Services Committee
SUBJECT:
Artificial Turf Field Strategy
Report Number: PR-3-13
File Number(s): 915-01
Report Date: December 20, 2012
Ward(s) Affected: 1  2  3  4  5  6  All √
Date to Committee: January 16, 2013
Date to Council: January 28, 2013
Recommendation: Approve the Artificial Turf Field Rate Realignment Strategy,
inclusive of the rate subsidy and premium as outlined in Report PR3-13;
Approve the Artificial Turf Field Capital Surcharge strategy as
outlined in Report PR-3-13;
Approve a new By-Law authorizing a capital surcharge of 5% for all
artificial turf fields to partially fund future capital repairs,
rehabilitation, renewal of artificial turf fields, included as appendix 1
in Report PR-3-13; and
Approve the revised artificial turf rates as outlined in Report PR-3-13
for the 2013 Budget.
Purpose:
Reference to
Strategic Plan:
√
√



Address goal, action or initiative in strategic plan
Establish new or revised policy or service standard
Respond to legislation
Respond to staff direction
Address other area of responsibility
Excellence in Government Demonstrates city is well-managed, forward looking and
responsible, improves efficiency.
Background:
Facility Inventory Management
Parks and Recreation is implementing a three-year inventory management strategy in
order to maximize facilities, affect the right facility for the right sport, improve quality of
recreation services and provide value for taxpayers. One of the accomplishments will
be implementing a consistent approach to pricing facilities, including subsidy and
Page 2 of 9 Report PR-3-13
premium rates to create the desired buying behaviour. City gyms and artificial turf fields
will be the first assets to adopt the consistent pricing approach of the phased-in
Inventory management strategy in 2013. A companion report (PR-4-13) on gymnasium
rates is also presented for Council consideration at the January 16, 2013 CSC meeting.
Rectangular Sport Fields
Rectangular fields are used by many sports including:
•
Soccer
•
Football
•
Rugby
•
Field Hockey
•
Field Lacrosse and
•
Ultimate Frisbee
The City has two types of rectangular fields in the inventory:
ARTIFICIAL TURF
Maximum Availability
• 7 artificial turf fields
• 6 artificial turf fields owned by COB
o 5 fields with lights
o 1 field without lights
o 4 came online in 2012
• 1 artificial turf operational share at
Nelson
• Prime time availability
• No capital surcharge
GRASS
•
•
•
•
•
•
Limited Availability
48 Grass Fields
• 5 full size fields with lights
• 21 full size fields without lights
(includes 2 without irrigation)
• 5 midsize fields with irrigation
• 17 midsize fields without irrigation
Reactive maintenance program
Unanticipated field closures due to
weather and field conditions
Limited prime time availability
No capital surcharge
Users are not pleased with current
maintenance standards
Since 2000 the City has been installing artificial turf fields.
Artificial Turf
The benefits to artificial turf include:
•
Installed to support forecasted program growth
•
Longer season of play (typically March to December)
•
Can withstand hours of continuous play
•
Limited maintenance and operational cost
Page 3 of 9 Report PR-3-13
•
Not impacted by weather
•
Consistent quality playing surface
•
Guaranteed availability (not closed due to weather or poor field condition)
As of summer 2012 the City has 6 artificial turf fields:
•
Sherwood B (under agreement with Burlington Youth Soccer)
•
Orchard South
•
City View Park (2)
•
Norton Park (2)
To support program growth, additional maintenance was completed on grass fields
during the summer of 2012. There are 5 Class A Grass Fields in the City’s inventory,
which require:
•
Rest time (2 will rest in 2013)
•
High maintenance
•
Closures for improved quality and reduced usage
In addition, the City and the Halton District School Board share the use of Nelson
Stadium.
The current pricing structure for artificial turf was established when the first fields were
installed and supply was limited. With the addition of artificial turf fields in the City and
neighbouring municipalities, supply has significantly increased. The associated higher
fees that have been previously established are not affordable for most groups. In
addition, extensive play on grass fields causes undesirable and unplayable field
conditions resulting in mid-season unplanned closures. To support an improvement in
grass field quality through resting fields from extensive play, a shift to artificial turf is
recommended.
Discussion:
Rate Subsidies and Premiums
Currently youth subsidy rates vary among assets. As gyms and play fields proceed with
standardization of subsidies, other areas will be reviewed.
Current Youth Subsidy Rates
Single Gymnasiums (Brant Hills)
77% Collegiate Pools Community Groups
Double Gymnasiums (Brant Hills)
64% Collegiate Pools Public
Single Gymnasiums – School
60% Primary Field
Double Gymnasiums – School
65% Secondary Field
Ice Pads (Prime-Time and Non Prime Time)
63% Artificial Turf
59%
86%
53%
56%
65%
Page 4 of 9 Report PR-3-13
As part of the Inventory Management Strategy to standardize rates, including subsidies
and premiums at all facility assets that the City rents, a phased-in approach in the next
3 years is proposed to influence desired buying behaviour.
Youth Subsidy
Commercial Rate
Non-Resident Rate
2013
75% of Adult Rate
125% of Adult Rate
125% of Adult Rate
2014
80% of Adult Rate
130% of Adult Rate
130% of Adult Rate
2015 - Goal
80% of Adult Rate
140% of Adult Rate
140% of Adult Rate
It should be noted that Adult rate represents a current market rate. For instance, what
the market is willing to purchase the product for. This amount is not a full cost recovery
amount.
Capital Surcharge
Currently there is no capital surcharge for the use of artificial turf. The intent of a capital
surcharge is to recoup some funds from users to help support the capital upkeep and
renewal of the facility. Staff are recommending the implementation of a 5% capital
surcharge on artificial turf rates, and approval of a new By-Law authorizing capital
surcharges of 5% for all artificial turf fields to partially fund future capital repairs,
rehabilitation and renewal of turf fields (Appendix 1).
Artificial Turf Rates
In 2013, staff recommends a reduction in the rate for artificial turf for both regular and
shoulder seasons. The proposed reduction is to encourage more groups to purchase
and maximize artificial turf and play less on the grass fields for the purpose of improving
turf quality.
The following chart reflects the decreased rates based on the strategy proposed in
Report PR-3-14 compared to the existing 2012 rates:
Approved
2012
5%
Category
Base
Surcharge
Rate
Regular Season May 1 – Oct 15
Approved
2012 Base
Rate (incl.
Surcharge)
Revised
2013
Base
Rate
5%
Surcharge
Revised
2013 Base
Rate (incl.
Surcharge)
%
Change
Taxes
Applicable
Youth
$57.48
$0.00
$57.48
$53.06
$2.65
$55.71
(3.07%)
YES
Adult
$88.43
$0.00
$88.43
$70.74
$3.54
$74.28
(16.00%)
YES
Shoulder Season (Oct. 16 to April 30)
Youth
$62.48
$0.00
$62.48
$53.06
$2.65
$55.71
(10.83%)
YES
Adult
$98.43
$0.00
$98.43
$70.74
$3.54
$74.28
(24.54%)
YES
* All rates exclude HST.
Adoption of the strategy will result in an amendment to the rates as prescribed in the
Proposed 2013 Budget, re: Parks and Recreation Rates and Fees. This adjustment will
have no financial impact on the department’s overall budget.
Page 5 of 9 Report PR-3-13
Market Comparisons:
City / Town
Milton
Cambridge
Hamilton
St. Catharines
Burlington
(Revised)
Oakville
Mississauga
Guelph
Playfields - Youth
Turf
Premier Class A
n/a
5.06
3.47
n/a
7.81
6.05
n/a
7.81
6.05
$40-$50
n/a
8.00
Class B
2.31
2.53
2.53
5.00
Turf
n/a
n/a
n/a
$60-$80
Playfields - Adult
Premier Class A
12.91
9.43
14.77
11.34
14.77
11.34
n/a
27.00
Class B
7.07
5.22
5.22
25.00
*55.71
n/a
11.81
7.72
*74.28
n/a
22.21
13.84
$68-74
n/a
n/a
n/a
11.87
20.91
12.50
n/a
n/a
9.00
n/a
n/a
$106-112
n/a
n/a
n/a
27.00
n/a
n/a
22.00
n/a
n/a
37.57
39.83
*Includes capital surcharge
The proposed rates for turf fields keep Burlington in the middle of its peers, consistent
with rates for Class A and Class B grass fields which influence buying behaviours.
As part of the Inventory Management Strategy to standardize rates, including subsidies
and premiums at all facility assets that the City rents, a phased-in approach in the next
3 years is proposed to influence desired buying behaviour. The following table
illustrates Parks and Recreation’s phased-in Playfield Strategy to help transition users:
•
•
•
•
Phase 1 - 2013
Reduce rate for artificial
turf, implement surcharge
Create a buying
behaviour to increase
volume on artificial turf
Limit availability on
regulation size fields with
lights to improve quality
Restructure CLASS and
implement on-line
availability
•
•
•
•
•
•
Phase 2 - 2014
Evaluation of phase 1
Balance type of sport,
youth and adult
Cost analysis
Price re-alignment for all
fields
Commence a proactive
maintenance program
Implement Space
Allocation Procedure to
align with program mix
Phase 3 - 2015
Evaluation of phase 2
Conduct Customer
Satisfaction Survey
• Review of allocation
• Develop long-term
capital renewal
strategy
•
•
Benefits of the Broader Playfield Strategy include:
•
increase usage of artificial turf
•
encourages the right buying behaviour and users to move away from grass to
artificial turf
•
enhanced maintenance supports improved quality of grass fields
•
allows grass fields time to rest and recover back to acceptable conditions after
use
•
aligns with the gym price strategy so that there are consistent approaches on
subsidy to youth and premiums for commercial and non-residents
Page 6 of 9 Report PR-3-13
•
ability to generate more revenues with turf as they can be used from the end of
winter to the end of fall and do not require rest
•
more predictable availability for users
•
matches the right field with the right sport at the right time
•
improved customer service
•
positions users to contribute to the capital renewal of the artificial turf fields
The chart below illustrates the growth in usage and shift from grass to turf fields as a
result of the Playfield Strategy.
Playfield Utilization – Hours
Artificial
Class A/B
Class C/D/E
Public
Catholic
Total
2,158
8,850
5,345
2,437
200
18,990
4,887
6,670
5,345
2,159
201
19,262
5,620
6,670
5,345
1,900
191
19,726
Public Consultation
The price reduction for artificial turf has been shared with user groups and some have
expressed their preference for turf over grass. Users have stated they are willing to pay
more for a better quality product, and reliable reservations. The proposed rates will be
well received by current users of artificial turf fields.
Parks and Recreation are meeting with user groups one on one to:
•
discuss market and promote the value and benefits of turf fields
Page 7 of 9 Report PR-3-13
•
educate users on the maintenance costs of, and rest required to maintain high
quality grass fields
•
work with individual groups on their various impacts and allocations
Options Considered
The following options have been considered, but are not recommended by staff:
Options
Rationale - Not Recommended
Increase Rates for All
• May force users to lower class grass fields due to price
Grass Fields, Set Class A • Not competitive with market, users may rent in
Fields with Lights Similar
neighbouring jurisdictions
to Turf.
• Turf fields cannot accommodate volumes due to shift from
grass fields
Lower Turf Rates to
• Lower revenues
Class A Grass Rate.
• Does not align with market
• Unable to provide enhanced maintenance to grass fields
• Turf fields cannot accommodate volumes due to shift from
grass fields
Utilize the 2/5 Play/Rest
• Rest time is insufficient to fully recover from wear and tear
Strategy for Grass Fields.
and competitive play
Financial Matters:
Total Financial Impact
The anticipated increase in revenues of $32,461 due to volume and users shifting to turf
may be used to fund enhanced maintenance of grass fields by Roads and Parks
Maintenance with no net financial impact.
Originally, the Artificial Turf Field Strategy was presented as a Business Case in the
2013 Budget. However, since there is no net financial impact to the department’s
budget, it is now presented as a strategy report (PR-3-13) for Council consideration.
Communication Matters:
Upon approval of the 2013 Budget, the new rates can be confirmed to user groups and
staff can firm up allocation on artificial turf and grass fields.
Conclusion:
The current pricing structure is not encouraging the right buying behavior of playfields.
Artificial turf fields were added into the inventory in order to expand the operating
season in the spring and fall as they can withstand continuous play with limited
maintenance or operational cost. By reducing the price of artificial turf, staff have
received indications that this is a positive encouragement for groups to move to artificial
turf from grass fields, which will support improved the quality of grass fields.
Page 8 of 9 Report PR-3-13
Respectfully submitted,
for
Denise Beard
Manager, Community Development
905-335-7600 x7518
Appendices:
A. By-Law 03-13 – Reserve Fund for Artificial Turf Fields
Notifications:
(after Council decision)
Approvals:
*required
Kenneth Quan
Manager, Business Services
905-335-7600 x7771
*Department
Name
City Treasurer
Mailing or E-mail Address
General Manager
City Manager
To be completed by the Clerks Department
Committee
Disposition &
Comments
01-Approved 02-Not Approved 03-Amended 04-Referred 06-Received & Filed 07-Withdrawn
Council
Disposition &
Comments
01-Approved 02-Not Approved 03-Amended 04-Referred 06-Received & Filed 07-Withdrawn
Page 9 of 9 Report PR-3-13
APPENDIX A
THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF BURLINGTON
BY-LAW NUMBER 03-2013
A By-law to establish a Reserve Fund for the accumulation of monies received from a capital
surcharge from the rental of all City owned artificial turf fields for the purposes of addressing
capital repairs, rehabilitation and renewal of all City owned artificial turf fields.
WHEREAS Section 417 of the Municipal Act, S.O. 2001, c.25, as amended, authorizes municipal
councils to establish reserve funds for any purpose for which it has authority to spend money; and
WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the City of Burlington deems it necessary to
accumulate funds in a Reserve Fund for the purpose of addressing capital repairs, rehabilitation and
renewal at all City owned artificial turf fields.
NOW THEREFORE THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF
BURLINGTON HEREBY ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:
1. THAT the Artificial Turf Field Capital Reserve Fund be established; and
2. THAT interest is added to the fund annually as allocated from the general investment fund of the
corporation;
3. THAT the capital surcharge be established at 5% of the rental rate for City owned artificial turf
fields; and
4. THAT the fund be utilized solely towards the provision addressing capital repairs, rehabilitation
and renewal at all City owned artificial turf fields.
ENACTED AND PASSED this 28th day of January, 2013.
MAYOR: ___________________________________
CITY CLERK: _______________________________