Agenda Item Action Request
Apex Town Council
CONSENT
No. 16
Meeting Date: October 20, 2015
Requestor: Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources
Presenter(s): John M. Brown, Director
Item Description
Motion to approve contract to convert the soccer field at Hunter Street Park to synthetic turf, authorize Town
Manager to execute all contracts related to the conversion, and approve the associated budget amendment.
Information Detail
The use of synthetic turf was identified as a priority by Council at their 2015 Retreat to allow for the expansion of
current programs offered by the Town and to allow partnerships with area groups that need space for lacrosse and
soccer. If approved, the retrofit would take place during the months of November-March so as not to impact existing
programs. As discussed at the Retreat and in the Town’s CIP, funding would come from Recreation Subdivision Fees.
That account currently has approximately $2,100,000 in uncommitted funds. Per Council’s direction at the retreat,
staff has taken the following additional steps:
1) Met with Apex based, soccer and lacrosse groups to ascertain their needs and identified some potential
scheduling opportunities at Hunter Street and other sites if the Hunter Street Park field is converted.
2) Analyzed the relative maintenance costs of natural and artificial turf. The recommended turf system has
an anticipated lifespan of eight years. Over these eight years, we anticipate a net savings of $306,000 in
maintenance costs. This amount should be close to the cost to re-turf the field at that time.
3) Made plans to add lacrosse to the Town’s programs offerings beginning in July 2016 pending funding in
the 2016-2017 budget.
4) Identified a local partner (Triangle Football Club) who is interested in entering a multi-year agreement
with an upfront payment of $25,000 plus rental fees paid in advance. Total Value: $37,875.
5) Designed to field for Youth and Adult Soccer / Youth and Adult Lacrosse
Staff therefore recommends entering into contracts with the following for the project.
Field Turf Inc. to supply and install the turf surface:
$ 298,950
Nolan Thomas and Company to do site preparation and finishing work: $ 260,300
Frye Fence (Fencing)
$ 61,300
$ 620,550
5% contingency $ 31,027
TOTAL $ 651,577
Tentative Schedule
Nov 2-18 Grading Subgrade
Nov. 16-30
Drainage
Nov
16-20 Curb
Nov-23-25 Nailer Board
Nov-30-Dec 18 Fencing
Nov-30-Dec-4 Base Layer
Dec 7-18 Topping Stone
Dec 21-Jan 8 Turf Installation,
Maintenance Training and Close Out
Recommend Approval:
Yes
Approved as to Form: Yes
By: Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Commission
Attachments
1) Field Layout
2) Costing and Product Information
3) Budget Amendment
Approved as to Form: Yes
74,000 sq.ft.
1170' ln.ft.
PERIMETER:
1"=40'
SCALE:
FIELD AREA:
J.B.
CHECKED BY:
D.H.
400' FIELDTURF LIMIT
360' SOCCER FIELD (O/O)
20'
20'
105' MINI SOCCER FIELD (O/O)
105' MINI SOCCER FIELD (O/O)
GIRL'S LACROSSE
COMPLETE COLOR NAME: BLACK
PANTONE COLOR NUMBER:BLACK
SOCCER
COMPLETE COLOR NAME: RED
PANTONE COLOR NUMBER: 185C
FIELD LAYOUT NOTES (sports are in order of dominance) :
SIGNATURE:
PRINTED NAME:
LEGEND:
TITLE:
DATE:
GREEN FIELDTURF
74,000 sq.ft.
1. SOCCER MARKINGS ARE 4" WHITE NFHS STANDARDS.
2. BOY'S LACROSSE MARKINGS ARE 4" REFLEX BLUE.
3. GIRL'S LACROSSE MARKINGS ARE 4" RED.
4. MINI SOCCER MARKINGS ARE 4" RED.
COLOR DASHED CIRCLES ARE TO INDICATE PLACEMENT OF
THE 4" X 4" INLAID LACROSSE/FIELD HOCKEY TICK MARKS.
ALL DIMENSIONS TO BE VERIFIED BEFORE ANY CONSTRUCTION BEGINS.
ISSUE: PRESENTATION
COMPLETE COLOR NAME: BLACK
PANTONE COLOR NUMBER: BLACK
APPROVED BY:
DATE: OCTOBER 13, 2015
BOY'S LACROSSE
COMPLETE COLOR NAME: REFLEX BLUE
PANTONE COLOR NUMBER: RFXC
LOGO COLORS:
COMPLETE COLOR NAME: WHITE
PANTONE COLOR NUMBER: WHITE
APEX PARKS
SOCCER
APEX, NC
SPORT COLORS:
SOCCER
COMPLETE COLOR NAME: WHITE
PANTONE COLOR NUMBER: WHITE
SHEET: 1/1 FIELD LAYOUT
45'
175' MINI SOCCER FIELD (O/O)
175' BOY'S LACROSSE FIELD (I/I)
175' GIRL'S LACROSSE FIELD (I/I)
175' SOCCER FIELD (O/O)
5'
185' FIELDTURF LIMIT
5'
105' MINI SOCCER FIELD (O/O)
All Rights Reserved. Confidential Information: No portion of these drawings may be disclosed, used, reproduced, modified or shown, without prior written consent of FieldTurf.
330' BOY'S LACROSSE FIELD (I/I)
DRAWN BY:
360' GIRL'S LACROSSE FIELD (I/I)
QUOTATION
Client: Field Turf
Address:
Attn: Rich Stucky
Email: rich.stucky@fieldturf.com
Nolan Thomas & Company, Inc.
Sports Turf Contractors
PO Box 369
Stovall, NC 27582
Ph: 919-693-6478
Fax: 772-365-6129
Web: www.ntandcoinc.com
This Quotation, when properly executed, becomes a purchase order, subject to the terms, conditions, and
limitations appearing herewith. This quotation is subject to availability of necessary labor, materials, and supplies
to produce the items quoted.
Date: 9/30/2015
Project: Apex Park
Scope of Work:
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Install construction entrance.
Install inlet protection around 7 inlets as shown on plans.
Demo existing irrigation valves.
Demo existing 12” HDPE and drainage structure as shown on plans.
o Note: All non organic items to demo shall be disposed by NT and Co at offsite location.
Remove hatched portion of sidewalks to meet new curb.
Excavate field to subgrade.
Haul only topsoil spoils to owner’s site approximately 2 miles from construction site.
Prep existing drainage structures to be covered with stone base.
Install 1 precast concrete yard inlet.
Supply and install approximately 1,100 linear feet of 8” collector line.
Backfill collector pipe with #57 stone.
Supply and install approximately 3,700 linear feet of 1”x12” flat pipe, 20’ on center.
Supply and install geotextile fabric over entire subgrade.
Provide and install new 8”x12” concrete curb.
Provide and install treated nailer boards.
Provide and install 4” of #57 or #67 stone base.
Provide and install 2” of #78 topping stone.
Compact stone base.
Laser grade stone base.
Nolan Thomas and Company, Inc. Confidential
Page 1
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Remove inlet protection and construction entrance.
Clean site of all NT and Co construction debris.
Total Project: $260,300
Fencing
 To add removal of 4’ fence: Add $1,400 to above base price
 To add installation of 450’ of 4’ tall chain link fence per detail: Add $6,125 to above base price
 To add installation of 800’ of 8’ tall chain link fence with 10’ tall lacrosse net above fence with
extended posts and cables per detail, 1-5’ wide walk gate, and 1-10’ double drive gate: Add
$76,025 to above base price
 Fencing shall be installed outside of concrete curb with posts set in concrete per fencing details
on sheet C7.2. Fencing can be set in curb, however our quote would need to be adjusted
according to reflect a wider curb and more labor to work around the poles when the curb is
poured.
Unit Price
 Undercut excavation and backfill with fill material: $85 C/Y
Exclusions/Exceptions:
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Permits and/or engineering fees.
Fencing and netting not included in base price.
Tap or impact fees of any kind.
Soil Importing.
Locating, relocation, removal, and/or repair of any utilities.
Rock excavation or rock trenching.
Temporary power, water, and/or washroom facilities.
Construction and removal of any access road.
Supply and installation of electrical conduit.
Replacement of suitable soils/ABC stone on sub-grade.
Terms of Payment: Net 15
A service charge of 1 ½% per month (effective annual rate of 18%) will be charged on all accounts not
paid within thirty (30) days.
Expiration of Acceptance:
The prices quoted herein expire thirty (30) days from date of quote unless made effective as a purchase
order prior to expiration, by proper approval and signature.
Please print, sign, fax to (772) 365-6129
Accepted By: _____________________________
Date: ___________________________________
Company: _______________________________
Nolan Thomas and Company, Inc.
Submitted By:
Tim Grein
Nolan Thomas & Company, Inc.
Nolan Thomas and Company, Inc. Confidential
Page 2
Mobile: 336-803-1108
Fax: 772-365-6129
Email: tim.grein@ntandcoinc.com
Web: www.ntandcoinc.com
Nolan Thomas and Company, Inc. Confidential
Page 3
October 1, 2015
PRICING PROPOSAL FOR TOWN OF APEX
FieldTurf is pleased to offer to supply and install the following high performance artificial infilled
grass surface.
Field Name
Hunter Street Park Soccer Field
Turf System
FieldTurf Classic FTHD-2
Square Footage
Approx. 74,000
Field Markings
Soccer, U10-Soccer, Lacrosse Tick Marks,
Center Field Logo
Price
$ 298,950.00
*Price is based on above-mentioned dimensions
Product Details
______
FieldTurf, the worldwide leader in artificial turf, is pleased to offer the FieldTurf Classic FTHD-2
system, with the following product characteristics:
Pile Height:
Infill Weight:
Pile Weight:
Total System Weight:
2 Inches
6.25 lbs/ft2
30 oz/yd2
951 oz/yd2
The FieldTurf Quality Guarantee
To achieve unmatched quality and level of performance, we have invested heavily in
modernizing our plants with the latest fiber manufacturing, coating and tufting technologies
along with top manufacturing talent, and specialized installation equipment. Our dedicated
CAD-based design department supports customization for each client, and our experts ensure
timely delivery and installation on every project.
The world leader in artificial turf innovation is ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certified
for its leadership in quality, environment and safety management systems. FieldTurf’s Calhoun
7445 Côte-de-Liesse Road Suite 200, Montreal, QC, Canada H4T 1G2 • Toll Free: 1-800-724-2969 • Website: http://www.fieldturf.com
facility represents the only artificial turf manufacturing operation in North America to have
received these ISO certifications.
FieldTurf has taken the necessary steps to ensure that your project will run smoothly and that
the quality promised will be the quality delivered.
Price Includes:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
Installation of the artificial in-filled grass surface upon a suitable base;
An 8 year 3rd party pre-paid insured warranty on the FieldTurf artificial grass surface;
Inlaid Soccer markings
Inlaid U-10 Soccer markings
Inlaid Boys Lacrosse Tick Marks
Inlaid Girls Lacrosse Tick Marks
Inlaid Center Logo (Standard, 2 colors, 30’ X 30’)
Maintenance equipment: 1 GroomRight + 1 SweepRight + 1 GroomRight Brush
Extension Wings.
Price does not Include:
a) The base upon which the FieldTurf field will be placed. FieldTurf shall not be responsible
for the planarity, the stability, the porosity, nor the approval of the base upon which the
FieldTurf surface will be installed, the drainage system, nor any construction or
modification of existing installations around the fields.
b) Any costs associated with necessary changes relating to delineation of the field.
c) The supply or installation of the field edging.
d) Unless otherwise specified, does not include any G-max testing.
e) The supply of manholes or clean-outs or grates, or supply of the manhole covers.
f) Any alteration or deviation from specifications involving extra costs, which alteration or
deviation will be provided only upon executed change orders, and will become an extra
charge over and above the offered price.
g) Site security.
h) Small vehicle to tow FieldTurf maintenance equipment.
i) All applicable taxes, bonding fees, prevailing wages, union labor or other labor law
levies.
The price is valid for a period of 90 days. The price is subject to increase if affected by an increase
in raw materials, freight, or other manufacturing costs, a tax increase, new taxes, levies or any
new legally binding imposition affecting the transaction.
7445 Côte-de-Liesse Road Suite 200, Montreal, QC, Canada H4T 1G2 • Toll Free: 1-800-724-2969 • Website: http://www.fieldturf.com
Please feel free to reach out to any member of our project team with questions about our offer:
Richard Leibl-Cote
Project Manager
241-375-2599
Richard.Leibl-Cote@fieldturf.com
Rich Stucky
Regional Sales Manager
704-849-9030
Rich.Stucky@fieldturf.com
Thank you again for your interest in FieldTurf, we look forward to working with you.
Per:
__________________________________________________________
Marie-Christine Raymond, Director of Project Management
FieldTurf USA, Inc. /FieldTurf, Inc.
7445 Côte-de-Liesse Road Suite 200, Montreal, QC, Canada H4T 1G2 • Toll Free: 1-800-724-2969 • Website: http://www.fieldturf.com
Conditions
Notwithstanding any other document or agreement entered into by FieldTurf in connection with
the supply and installation only of its product pursuant to the present bid proposal, the
following shall apply:
a) This bid proposal and its acceptance is subject to strikes, accidents, delays beyond our
control and force majeure;
b) Final payment shall be upon the substantial completion of FieldTurf’s obligations;
c) Accounts overdue beyond 30 days of invoice date will be charged at an interest rate of
10% per annum.
d) FieldTurf requires a minimum of 21 days after receiving final approvals on shop
drawings to manufacture, coordinate delivery and schedule arrival of installation crew.
Under typical field size and scenario, FieldTurf further requires 28 days per field to
install the Product subject to weather and force majeure.
e) FieldTurf requires a suitable staging area. Staging area must be square footage of field x
0.12, have a minimum access of 15 feet wide by 15 feet high, and, no more than 100ft
from the site. A 25 foot wide by 25 foot long hard or paved clean surface area located
within 50 feet of the playing surface shall be provided for purposes of proper mixing of
infill material. Access to any field will include suitable bridging over curbs from the
staging area to permit suitable access to the field by low clearance vehicles.
f) This proposal is based on a single mobilization. If the site is not ready and additional
mobilizations are necessary, additional charges will apply.
g) FieldTurf shall be accountable for its negligence but shall not be bound by any penalty
clauses.
h) FieldTurf shall be entitled to recover all costs and expenses, including attorney fees,
associated with collection procedures in the event that FieldTurf pursues collection of
payment of any past due invoice.
i) All colors are to be chosen from FieldTurf’s standard colors.
7445 Côte-de-Liesse Road Suite 200, Montreal, QC, Canada H4T 1G2 • Toll Free: 1-800-724-2969 • Website: http://www.fieldturf.com
Town of Apex
C/o Eric Battle
10/13/15
Hunter St. Park Soccer Field
Apex, NC
I. Furnish and install 441’ ft. of 4’ ft. tall vinyl coated chain link fencing.
 9 gauge core chain link fabric
 1-5/8” Sch 40 top rail
 2” Sch 40 line posts
 2 ½” Sch 40 terminal posts
 7 gauge bottom tension wire
$5,300.00
*Deduct 1500.00 from Item I to take out and reinstall 300’ ft. of existing 4’ ft. tall black vinyl coated chain link fencing
(approximately 141’ of new and 300’ reinstalled – 2100.00 materials savings minus 600.00 to take out and haul away concrete).
II. Furnish and install 791’ ft. of 8’ ft. tall vinyl coated chain link fencing with 10’6” tall netting above.
 9 gauge core chain link fabric
 1-5/8” Sch 40 top, middle and bottom rail
 2 ½” Sch 40 line posts
 4” Sch 40 intermediate posts (40’ ft or less apart)
 One 5’ ft. wide walk gate
 One 10’ ft. wide double door gate
 6-5/8” Sch 40 end and corner posts
$56,000.00
The World Leader In Artificial Turf
April 2012
FTNA Corp Brochure_2014.indd 1
1/6/2014 1:50 PM
THE GREATEST TURF ON EARTH.
How The Legend Was Born
FieldTurf comes from humble beginnings. Its debut in the sport surfacing industry was in 1988 with the introduction of a synthetic grass system for tennis courts and a synthetic grass surface used to minimize wear and tear
around golf practice tees. The company then began developing synthetic turf surfaces for other sports installations including soccer, lacrosse, football and baseball. FieldTurf focused on perfecting a sports field system with
a sand and rubber infill, which provided superior athlete safety, high performance and extreme durability. The
infilled artificial turf industry was born when, in 1994, FieldTurf installed its first full size soccer field.
The Installation That Changed The Industry
As the story goes, Tom Osborne, Nebraska Cornhuskers coaching legend, travelled to a high school installation in
Pennsylvania with a recently installed FieldTurf field and walked across the field to meet FieldTurf representatives.
“So, where is this stuff everyone’s talking about,” he asked. The truth was he had just walked across it. Osborne
thought he was walking on natural grass. Upon recommendation from Osborne, Nebraska’s athletic department
installed FieldTurf at one of their practice facilities in 1999. Husker players were so enthusiastic that the school
decided to install FieldTurf in its stadium a year early. The Huskers finished with an incredible 12-1 record and a
virtually injury-free season their first year on FieldTurf. It was the Nebraska installation that propelled FieldTurf
forward, as top teams from around the world began to play on FieldTurf.
University of Nebraska - Memorial Stadium
[2]
The Sports World Chooses FieldTurf
Since the installation at Nebraska, FieldTurf has grown exponentially. Throughout the last decade our engineered,
infilled artificial turf systems became the first to host two Super Bowls, the World Series, the World Baseball
Classic, a Major League Soccer Cup final and College Bowl games from coast to coast.
Today, FieldTurf continues to thrive as the global market leader in synthetic sports fields with more than 7,000
fields installed. Cities and schools have been benefitting from our ability to provide the very best value for the
short and long term, allowing organizations at all levels to be able to forecast the amount of money they will save
by installing FieldTurf, the safest, longest lasting and highest performing artificial turf system.
The Future Of Artificial Turf
With the best and most exclusive fiber manufacturing technology in the market today, FieldTurf has become
one of the most vertically integrated companies in the industry. All four of FieldTurf’s manufacturing facilities are
ISO certified and state-of-the-art. FieldTurf also has permanent R&D centers set up at Penn State University
and at each and every one of FieldTurf’s manufacturing plants across the globe. At FieldTurf Headquarters,
our Innovation & Performance Center has already led to some promising new discoveries that will once again
revolutionize the artificial turf industry.
Super Bowl XLVI on FieldTurf
Heritage
[3]
Premium Price. Best Value.
What Separates FieldTurf From All The Rest?
Here are the Top 10 Benefits:
1. FieldTurf has the most innovative product offering.
2. Independent testing has proven that FieldTurf is the safest turf system when compared to natural grass.
3. FieldTurf is one of the most vertically integrated companies in the world.
4. When it comes to playability and performance, FieldTurf is the clear market leader.
5. No other long pile, artificial turf system has lasted longer than FieldTurf.
6. FieldTurf may be priced higher, but it costs less.
7. For peace of mind, FieldTurf provides clients with the best insured warranty in the business.
8. FieldTurf is the clear choice of the pros.
9. FieldTurf offers First Class Customer Service.
10. When combining all these benefits it’s clear that FieldTurf is simply …the best investment.
These are not empty marketing claims, they are backed by science and facts.
Keep reading to find out more…
FieldTurf Is The Best Investment
When compared to natural grass and competing turf systems, FieldTurf has time and again proven to be the
better investment. It’s all about long term savings.
FieldTurf may be priced higher but it costs less
FieldTurf vs. Competing Artificial Systems: Best Value Analysis
Competition
FieldTurf
Base Preparation
$320,000
$320,000
Materials*
$4.00 per sq ft = $320,000
$4.75 per sq ft = $380,000
Maintenance**
$10,000 x 8 yrs = $80,000
$5,000 x 10 yrs = $50,000
Total Cost
$720,000
$750,000
Turf Life*
6-8 years
8-10 years
Average Cost Per Year
$90,000
$75,000
*Material per square foot price difference and turf life figures are
based on the last 10 years of industry data. For calculations, 8 years
was used for 6-8 yrs range and 10 years was used for 8-10 yrs range.
** Yearly maintenance cost is an average figure based on the last
10 years of industry data - cost difference mainly due to increased
infill work and repairs associated with competitor fields.
All figures based on average sized fields of 80,000 square feet.
A guaranteed return on your investment
FieldTurf vs. Natural Grass: Costs Over 10 Years
Natural Grass
FieldTurf
Base Preparation
$150,000
$320,000
Materials
$2.75 per sq ft = $220,000
$4.75 per sq ft = $380,000
Maintenance
$20,000 x 10 yrs = $200,000
$5,000 x 10 yrs = $50,000
Total
$570,000
$750,000
Scheduling Possibilities
25 hrs x 25 wks x 10 yrs = 6,250 hrs
68 hrs x 44 wks x 10 yrs = 29,920 hrs
Average Cost Per Hour of Use
$91.20
$25.07
Figures based on 80,000 square foot fields and average costs and usage rates across North America.
[4]
Did You Know?
A Positive Contribution
When it comes to carbon footprints, there’s simply no comparison between
natural grass and FieldTurf fields.
By choosing FieldTurf, you’re becoming part of an environmental movement
that not only saves clean drinking water, but also:
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
A typical full size FieldTurf
field saves 1 million
gallons of water per year,
utilizes 20,000 recycled
tires, and eliminates the
use of over 8,000 pounds
of chemicals per year.
Eliminates impact on water resources, saving billions of gallons of water each year
Eliminates the use of billions of pounds of chemicals
Removes millions of tires from landfill sites each year
Significantly lowers the use of natural gas and other fossil fuels
Eliminates fuel-powered mowing, aerating, and re-seeding
Eliminates grass clippings
Can contribute toward numerous Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits
Largest artificial turf project in the world.
Golden Eagle Regional Park - Sparks, NV
1,400,000 sq ft
Costs Less
“We chose FieldTurf because of
the combination of value and
quality associated with the
FieldTurf product and company.
It was a 2-year evaluation process
of studying artificial turf products
and companies. We visited fields
all over the West Coast and spoke
with numerous Athletic Directors
and Parks & Recreation Directors.
It was a consensus among those
that we spoke with that FieldTurf
had the best product and the best
value.”
Stan Sherer
-Director of Parks &
Recreation, City of Sparks
[5]
The most innovative turf offering.
The FieldTurf Elite System Difference.
When it comes to safety, performance and durability,
nothing compares to the FieldTurf Elite system.
Patented Infill Layering System:
Often imitated, but never equaled, FieldTurf’s patented infill mixture delivers unmatched player
safety with published peer-reviewed studies to prove it!
Highest Quality Materials:
Not all materials are created equal. FieldTurf uses the best ingredients – round, clean and
durable silica sand coupled with the cleanest and roundest cryogenically processed rubber.
Heavyweight System:
Don’t be fooled by pile weight – focus on the total system weight. With FieldTurf’s heavyweight
infill system the total carpet weights of most Elite systems eclipse 1300 oz/sq yd.
Most Durable Fibers:
When it comes to durable fibers, FieldTurf’s Elite systems feature some of the most durable
fiber systems available in the market today. Just ask us for the testing!
Unmatched Drainage:
FieldTurf’s patented finger coating system provides 40% more porosity than competing
perforated turf systems.
[6]
THE FIBERS
The Most Durable Fibers – for Longest-Lasting Performance
The ideal turf fibers should provide grass-like aesthetics and unmatched durability.
FieldTurf’s systems have done just that. FieldTurf has the most innovative fiber options to
choose from. Here are the fiber options for the Elite system:
FieldTurf Revolution - Manufactured in FieldTurf’s own fiber plant, FieldTurf
Revolution features a proprietary polymer formulation that reduces splitting and
degradation and includes a leading ultraviolet inhibitor technology. A state-of-theart extrusion process provides intricate concave and ridged construction to eliminate
breaking points.
Classic HD - The gold standard in slit-film durability and technology, Classic HD is the
ideal combination of softness and stiffness, designed to be the most player-friendly and
resilient slit-film fiber in the marketplace. Its unique extrusion and inline precision cutter
eliminates excess splitting, for longer-lasting performance.
FieldTurf
Revolution
Classic HD
THE INFILL
A Patented Infill System - for Superior Playability
FieldTurf’s infill is installed in 3 layers – a base layer of sand for ballast, a middle layer
of silica sand / cryogenic rubber, and a top layer of larger sized cryogenically processed
rubber particles. This patented system is the secret behind the safety and playability of
FieldTurf. While fiber provides aesthetic value, it is the infill that delivers what the athlete
needs to perform. FieldTurf infill is made of the highest quality materials. Unlike ambient
rubber, FieldTurf uses only cryogenic rubber, the cleanest and highest grade of rubber
granule. Similarly sized particles of washed silica sand and rounded cryogenic rubber hold
each other in suspension - compress and expand to provide stability, long life resiliency
and proper energy restitution. A top layer of rubber particles provides athletes with a
non-abrasive cushion. FieldTurf’s Elite systems offer the heaviest infill systems in the
industry – with up to 9.2 lbs of infill per sq. ft.
Silica Sand
Cryogenic Rubber
THE BACKING
SureLock Coating - for the Most Durable Product
When designing the ideal turf backing three aspects must be considered – tuft bind
strength, stability, and drainage. FieldTurf’s SureLock Coating delivers the ultimate in
all 3 categories. Tuft bind is the strength of the attachment of the yarn to the backing
material. FieldTurf’s industry-leading tuft bind is achieved by using strong fibers secured
with the SureLock Coating System. The fibers are tufted into a backing of permeable
woven and non-woven polypropylene fabrics at a patented row width of 3/4” for optimal
cleat interaction. Our patented finger unit seals only the row of fibers, leaving the backing
40% porous, for unmatched drainage. Our competitors coat the entire backing, then burn
holes into the turf to allow drainage.
SureLock Coating
Technology
[7]
The most innovative turf offering.
FieldTurf Prestige Systems
FieldTurf’s world class technology
…with less of the cost.
THE FIBERS
Natural Aesthetics - for a Grass-Like Surface
FieldTurf XM6 - developed with strict adherence to the 3 pillars of
fiber development - Polymer, Process, and Geometry (PPG). The result
is a resilient fiber that has been designed to provide excellent long-term
durability.
FieldTurf XT - High performance slit-film fibers are fibrillated to
encapsulate infill and provide a dense fiber appearance.
THE INFILL
Two-Layered Infill System - for All Sports and Ages
XM6
This traditional two-layer infill is comprised of ballast layers of sand and
top layers of recycled ambient rubber granules for proper shock absorption
and world class performance. Prestige systems also include alternative infill
options such as Nike Grind, TPE, and Cork.
THE BACKING
Durable Coating - for Trustworthy Drainage
Ambient Rubber
Silica Sand
Prestige series systems feature a traditional two-layer, dimensionally stable
backing, coated and perforated at FieldTurf’s manufacturing facility.
The result is exceptional tuft bind strength along with excellent drainage.
Backing
[8]
XT
FieldTurf CoolPlay:
High Performance. Low Temperature.
-35°F
The CoolPlay system delivers the same
behavior and overall stability as FieldTurf’s
patented layered system.
CoolPlay takes nothing away from
performance …except the heat!
200
Temperature (°F)
FieldTurf’s exclusive cork top dressing
performs just like the very best FieldTurf
Elite system, found in the world’s most
famous stadiums.
Laboratory tested to be 35ºF
cooler than traditional sand/
rubber systems.
160
120
80
n CoolPlay
n Sand / Rubber Mix
40
0
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
Exposure time (minutes)
Alternative Infill Offering
In addition to our standard crumb rubber infill, FieldTurf also offers a complete
line of turf systems with the following alternative infill options: Nike Grind: Consists of recycled athletic shoes and Nike manufacturing scrap which are
ground up and turned into infill crumb. Nike Grind is also a non-marking rubber, leaving balls,
shoes and uniforms clean from any markings.
TPE: Produced by using prime raw materials which offer a stable shock absorption for synthetic
turf fields. FieldTurf offers an innovative high grade, high performance TPE option.
Nike Grind Rubber
TPE Granules
Cork: Cork, a totally organic product harvested from cork oak trees, is 100% recyclable with no
waste by-products. Due to its natural structure, cork’s low thermal conductivity will allow the
turf to remain cooler.
Cork
FieldTurf Fire Fighters
FieldTurf’s revolutionary fire retardant materials and
systems can meet and exceed any indoor or outdoor flame
test or building code. FieldTurf’s fire retardant offering
includes a fire retardant fiber (FieldTurf FR), along with
two infill options (FlameGuard and FlameGuard Green).
FlameGuard
FlameGuard Green
Did You Know?
Innovation
FieldTurf was one of the
first companies in the
world to use TPE infill
and has over 25 FIFA
recommended fields
using the material.
[9]
FTNA Corp Brochure_2014.indd 9
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The safest turf system.
The Ultimate In Safety, Performance
And Durability
The most important attributes of a turf system are Safety, Performance, and Durability.
FieldTurf is proud to be at the top of the class in all 3 categories. Independent testing proves its
safety; player preference confirms its performance; and its durability is proven day in and day
out at thousands of installations around the world.
What makes FieldTurf the safest system?
The answer is simple. FieldTurf works just like natural grass.
On a natural grass field the athletes cut, plant and release in the earth – not in the blades
of grass. On an artificial turf field, the infill is the earth. FieldTurf’s infill provides the same
biomechanical properties as natural grass, as athletes cut, plant and release. Like in natural
grass, athletes play in the infill, not on the turf fibers.
FieldTurf’s infill system contains up to 9.2 lbs. per square foot. It’s the “heavyweight” in the turf
industry. All other turf systems contain a lightweight infill system, typically no more than 6 lbs.
per sq. ft.
Stitch “gauge” refers to the distance between the rows of fibers in a turf carpet. FieldTurf is
a “wide gauge” turf system. The rows of fiber are 3/4” apart for ideal cleat interaction. This
spacing allows for proper cleat penetration of the infill. Proper penetration enables the athlete
to plant, twist and release just like they do on natural grass - without undue torque transmitted
to the knees and ankles. As a result, chances of injuries are greatly reduced.
All other turf systems use a very “narrow gauge” usually 3/8” or 1/2”. This narrow gauge results in
turf that is overly dense, preventing the same penetration and positive biomechanical functions
found on FieldTurf and natural grass.
The result is that the athlete plays on or in the fibers - not in the infill. This causes the fibers to
wear faster and makes it more difficult for the athlete to get solid footing, causing slippage. We
call this “The Skate Effect.”
FieldTurf was built by athletes for athletes. Our team has taken the time to design and produce
a patented turf system that is engineered and quite unlike any other. The combination of our
heavyweight infill system and our wide gauge turf spacing are two unique inventions that set
FieldTurf apart from the rest. The result is proven player safety and performance that is simply
unmatched.
FieldTurf’s performance enhancing artificial turf provides a surface
that allows athletes to focus on skill and execution.
[10]
Did You Know?
FieldTurf’s heavyweight
infill system is constructed
using up to 9.2 lbs of
infill material per square
foot, which is quite
similar in weight to the
root zone of a high quality
natural grass field.
Playing In The Safety Zone
Long term study of FieldTurf fields provides evidence of the proven safety
of the heavyweight infill system.
Data collected from 11 FieldTurf fields located in California confirmed the long term safety of FieldTurf fields as it
relates to field hardness (Gmax).
FieldTurf fields with heavyweight infill systems maintain safe Gmax ratings over time, dispelling any myth of field
compaction. In accordance with MSP (Maximum Safety and Performance) fields must be within a Gmax range of
120-180 to be considered safe. All the FieldTurf fields analyzed were in this range. Published reports have indicated
that lightweight turf systems can achieve Gmax levels above 200.
Heavyweight infill systems have a minimum of 8 pounds of infill per sq. ft. while lightweight systems typically have a
high face weight (high fiber density) a term commonly described as “Fiber Loading” and only 3 to 6 pounds of infill
per square foot.
School
Field Age
Gmax
Francis Parker High School
7
127
Sycamore Valley Park
6
Mission Hill Middle School
6
Riverside Comm. College
6
Piner High School
Montgomery High School
School
Field Age
Gmax
Tamalpais High School
7
128
165
Granada High School
6
142
149
Andrew Hill High School
7
134
131.9
Piedmont Hills High School
7
143
7
136
Milpitas High School
7
163
7
122
Independent Testing Proves FieldTurf’s Safety
With FieldTurf, safety is not an empty claim or marketing jargon. We’ve put our product to the test in the most accurate
testing possible – real life epidemiological testing of athletes. Here are the highlights of two published, peer reviewed studies:
FieldTurf was proven safer than natural grass in a
5-year high school football safety study:
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44% Fewer Concussions
33.4% Lower ACL Trauma
26.6% Fewer Severe Injuries
33.4% Fewer Ligament Tears
Source: American Journal of Sports Medicine
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SAFETY STUDY: FIELDTURF VS. NATURAL GRASS,
A 5-YEAR PROSPECTIVE STUDY
Safety
FieldTurf was proven safer than natural grass in
a 3-year college football safety study:
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12% Fewer Concussions
40% Lower ACL Trauma
20.6% Fewer Severe Injuries
31.4% Fewer Ligament Tears
Source: American Journal of Sports Medicine
COLLEGE FOOTBALL SAFETY STUDY: FIELDTURF VS. NATURAL GRASS,
A 3-YEAR PROSPECTIVE STUDY
FieldTurf’s heavyweight infill
system and wide gauge design
result in fewer concussions and
reduced lower extremity injuries.
[11]
The longest lasting turf. Period.
Longest-Lasting Performance
Since its inception, FieldTurf has proven to be the most durable turf system in the world, with more fields that
are 8 years or older than all other competitors combined. All of FieldTurf’s components are made from the
highest quality materials. FieldTurf fields are manufactured and installed with a level of attention to quality
control that has changed the industry forever. No other artificial turf manufacturer in the world can measure up.
6+ yrs
5+ yrs
2442 fields
1072 fields
7+ yrs
1847 fields
8+ yrs
693 fields
9+ yrs
374 fields
249 fields
YEARS OF CONTINUOUS USE
10+ yrs
NUMBER OF FIELDS IN DAILY USE
Detroit Country Day School Selects FieldTurf Again,
After First Field Lasts Thirteen Years!
Detroit Country Day School also chose to install
FieldTurf in their impressive new indoor athletic
complex that will serve the football, boys and girls
soccer, boys and girls lacrosse and field hockey
teams.
“We looked at many different products in the industry and
the same holds true today as it did more than a decade ago
– nothing in the marketplace compares to what the FieldTurf
product offers in terms of safety and playability. When we
originally decided to install FieldTurf on our Stadium Field,
we expected an excellent level of service and product and that
is exactly what we experienced over the last 13 years. We are
excited to continue our longstanding relationship with the
world leader in artificial turf.”
Glen Shilling - Headmaster, Detroit Country Day School
[12]
Detroit Country Day School, MI
“For the last 8 years FieldTurf has been part of Wesley College athletics and we could not be more satisfied with our decision. Over this time, our 47-3 home record is not only a testament to our players and coaches, but also to the surface we play on – FieldTurf.”
Mike Drass - Athletic Director and Head Football Coach, Wesley College
Keys To A Long-Lasting Turf System
There are 4 keys to a long-lasting turf system – a durable fiber system, high quality infill materials,
proper infill depth and strong seam technology.
1
Durable Turf Fibers
2
High Quality Infill Materials
3
Proper Infill Depth
While an artificial turf system’s infill performs well for up to twenty years, it is the fiber system that wears first. Finding a
durable fiber system is key when selecting your turf system. Independent testing on the durability of various fiber types is
available at Penn State University. For more information on the study, contact your FieldTurf representative.
Low grade rubber materials can cause premature wear of a turf field. There are two types of rubber material – high grade
cryogenic rubber and low grade ambient rubber. Cryogenic rubber works to promote effective and consistent drainage by
eliminating the potential for migration caused by water. The cryogenic rubber’s smooth and rounded shape facilitates a
consistent flow of water through the infill without raising and displacing any rubber. The loose and jagged rubber strands
found in ambient rubber make it vulnerable to migration and floatation caused by the air bubbles in water.
Infill depth will ensure proper playability and longevity of the fiber, while also maintaining a
grass-like appearance. The infill is the athlete’s source for cutting, planting, shock absorption
and energy restitution. The critical mistake regardless of the type of infill used, is the under
filling or over filling of the turf system.
Proper Infill Level: Infill at approximately 2/3 (two-thirds) depth of the fiber height will
provide the necessary fiber support for a longer lasting field along with less maintenance and
a very minimal amount of infill displacement.
3/4”
2 1/2”
Proper Infill Level
Over Filled: Too much infill depth in a turf system leads to rooster tails following ball roll
and running, along with the potential for severe infill displacement.
Under Filled: An infill level that is too low can cause wrinkling and/or buckling of the turf
surface and fails to protect the turf fibers from premature wear and abrasion.
4
Over Filled
Under Filled
Strong Seam Technology
When it comes to the longevity of field seams, there is only one answer – FieldTurf’s
heavy duty sewn seams. Simply put, glued seams will not stand the test of time. The
number one maintenance problem associated with synthetic fields is that of loose
unglued turf seams. Glued seams may be easier to install and less expensive as they
require no special equipment or expertise. But sewn seams are the only way to ensure a
trouble-free seam and a long lasting, safe field. FieldTurf ’s panel seams are sewn with a
double lock stitch. FieldTurf fields do not experience seam problems because FieldTurf
settles for nothing less than the best materials and most thorough seam installation.
Durability
[13]
The #1 Choice For Football.
Designed For Football
FieldTurf is clearly the #1 choice of football. Whether it is at the professional level where 22
of 32 NFL teams have selected FieldTurf, or the NCAA where over 100 universities play their
home games on FieldTurf, or even at the high school level where dozens of state champions
have played on our surface.
FieldTurf’s safety, performance and durability levels are far superior to any other system. As
the world’s largest synthetic turf company, FieldTurf is installed in most major stadiums. But
there is no difference between a high profile FieldTurf field and one installed in a small town.
For every pro or college field we build, we install the same quality field at 150 schools and
municipal facilities.
NFL Players Prefer FieldTurf
When it comes to surface preference, NFL Players have voted FieldTurf as the top artificial
surface. Every two years, the NFL Players Association conducts a survey of its players where all
of the league’s playing surfaces are rated and ranked on many performance-based factors. In
2010, the NFL Players voted FieldTurf as the best artificial surface in the league - for the 10th
year in a row! A total of 1619 active NFL players from all 32 teams completed survey forms.
2010 Artificial Turf Surface Rankings
1. Indianapolis (FieldTurf)
2. New York Giants/Jets (FieldTurf)
4. Seattle (FieldTurf)
6. Atlanta (FieldTurf)
7. New England (FieldTurf)
8. Detroit (FieldTurf)
10. Cincinnati (FieldTurf)
Players perform with more confidence on FieldTurf - not only because
it is a safer surface - but because it is the most consistent, stable and
athlete friendly artificial turf system in the world.
FieldTurf is the Fastest Surface
In addition to its renowned safety benefits, the FieldTurf system has gained a reputation across
the industry for its high performance and speed.
At the 2008 NFL Combine, Chris Johnson ran a record 4.24 40-time on FieldTurf. Since 2000,
nine of the fastest twelve times at the NFL Combine have been on FieldTurf.
[14]
“I like it (FieldTurf) a lot… just because the footing is so good and you can really push off and
drive the ball, and the receivers can cut really well. I think everybody really likes the surface.”
Tom Brady - QB, New England Patriots
Below are just some of the teams that have chosen FieldTurf:
NFL
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Atlanta Falcons
Denver Broncos
Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers
Indianapolis Colts
New England Patriots
New York Giants
Oakland Raiders
San Diego Chargers
Seattle Seahawks
Tennessee Titans
Washington Redskins
NCAA n
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High School
Air Force Falcons
Boise State Broncos
Cincinnati Bearcats
Fresno State Bulldogs
Illinois Fighting Illini
Kansas Jayhawks
Louisville Cardinals
Michigan Wolverines
Minnesota Gophers
Mississippi Rebels
Missouri Tigers
Navy Midshipmen
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nevada Wolf Pack
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Northern Illinois Huskies
Ohio State Buckeyes
Oregon Ducks
Oregon State Beavers
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Syracuse Orange
Texas Longhorns
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Utah Utes
Washington Huskies
Washington State Cougars
West Virginia Mountaineers
Wisconsin Badgers
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New England Patriots - Gillette Stadium
Seattle Seahawks - CenturyLink Field
Bergen Catholic (NJ)
Blue Springs South (MO)
Celina (TX)
Colerain (OH)
Don Bosco Prep (NJ)
Jenks (OK)
Lake Oswego (OR)
Loyola (CA)
Mater Dei (CA)
Memphis University (TN)
Plano (TX)
St. Peter’s Prep (NJ)
St. Thomas Aquinas (FL)
Torrey Pines (CA)
Valley Christian (CA)
Wayzata (MN)
Wheaton-Warrenville South (IL)
Wimberley (TX)
Xaverian Brothers (MA)
Atlanta Falcons - Georgia Dome
Detroit Lions - Ford Field
Did You Know?
Football
In 2012, Super Bowl XLVI
took place on FieldTurf.
This was only the second
time that a Super Bowl
has been played on a
heavyweight infilled
surface. The first one?
Super Bowl XL on FieldTurf
at Ford Field in Detroit.
[15]
THE WORLD CLASS SOCCER SURFACE.
Designed For Soccer
The FieldTurf product was designed for soccer by focusing on four key soccer-related
requirements: Ball Performance, Energy Restitution, Shock Absorption and Playability.
FieldTurf is ideal for soccer because of its fiber technology (ball performance), heavyweight
infill system (energy restitution and shock absorption) and wide gauge tufting (playability).
Why Is FieldTurf The Best Surface For Soccer?
most Grass-Like Playability
The 2012 study conducted by Prozone, an independent consulting firm specializing in soccer performance,
confirms that there are “No Major Differences” in playability on FieldTurf or natural grass.
Prozone installed a player tracking system on 2 fields – one at Luzhniki Stadium (FieldTurf) and the other at
Khimki Arena (natural grass). Since 2006 Luzhniki has had FieldTurf installed for their pitch and the results
in key playability categories indicate FieldTurf is equal to natural grass when it comes to playing soccer.
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Distance run during match was 113.9 km on FieldTurf vs. 112.1 km on grass, indicating teams are confident
to play very similar styles on both surfaces.
Ball touches per player were 2.01 on FieldTurf vs. 2.06 on grass, indicating players are just as comfortable
with the possession of the ball on FieldTurf as on natural grass.
Passes played forward increased on FieldTurf, indicating more offense and more entertaining games are
played on it.
Tackles per player rose by 0.70 on FieldTurf, illustrating that players are just as comfortable defending on
FieldTurf and do not feel a greater risk of playing on the surface.
The Soccer Reference
With over 3,000 FieldTurf soccer installations, FieldTurf has the most
FIFA Recommended fields in the world! Some of the most prestigious
clubs worldwide practice or play on FieldTurf, including Real Madrid, FC
Barcelona, and Manchester United. In the U.S., FieldTurf is the choice
for 16 MLS teams for practice facilities, with New England Revolution,
Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders picking FieldTurf for their
stadiums as well.
New England Revolution - Gillette Stadium
[16]
FTNA Corp Brochure_2014.indd 16
1/7/2014 9:10 AM
Did You Know?
Soccer-Smart System Design
Over 75% of all teams
in the English Premier
League, Spain’s ‘La Liga’
and France’s ‘Ligue de
Football Professionnel’
train on FieldTurf systems.
FieldTurf has invested in developing the ideal system for soccer
with the following soccer specific attributes:
The Most Natural Ball Performance: The knock on synthetic turf has been unrealistic ball roll. On competitors’ fields,
fibers have laid over or become matted within just 1 or 2 years, causing the ball to roll too rapidly - informally referred to as “quickroll”.
FieldTurf has solved this problem with the introduction of our FieldTurf Revolution fiber. With unmatched memory to return each fiber
to the upright position, ball roll remains natural, even over time.
Ball bounce on an artificial turf field is another concern that only FieldTurf has been able to properly address. Ball bounce is linked to the
infill composition of the turf system. FieldTurf’s patented layered infill system provides the right amount of softness to absorb the ball’s
impact in a natural way for the life of the field.
Optimal Energy Return: Energy restitution is the amount of energy that goes back into your legs when running on a surface.
FieldTurf’s layered system of sand and rubber provides the optimum level of energy restitution. Other all-rubber or lightweight surfaces
are spongier which accelerate fatigue and muscle / joint stress. This effect is magnified on fields that will be used for both training and
matches.
Proven Safety: During the Men’s 2007 FIFA U20 World Cup in Canada, where the majority of the matches on artificial turf were
played on FieldTurf, medical officer Dr. Rudy Gittens noted… “There were an average of 2.8 injuries per game through the first 48 games
- 3.3 per game on natural grass and 2.4 on artificial turf. From these particular figures it would appear that artificial turf might be safer.”
FIFA Preferred Producer: FieldTurf is a select member of the FIFA Preferred Producer Program having met the rigid obligations
and reporting requirements. A FIFA Preferred Producer goes beyond the traditional supplier / installer scenario by continually improving
the quality of their product and assuming responsibility for the production, installation and maintenance of the turf from inception to
completion.
Seattle Sounders - CenturyLink Field
Portland Timbers - Jeld Wen Field
Did You Know?
Soccer
FieldTurf surfaces have played
host to Champions League
matches, Euro Cup qualifiers,
MLS Cup finals, an MLS AllStar game, the Men’s and
Women’s FIFA U20 World Cup
final, UEFA Cup qualifiers,
World Cup qualifiers and
NCAA D-I League finals.
[17]
Baseball’s home run.
Did You Know?
The 2008 World Series
was played on FieldTurf
while over 25 NCAA
D-I teams continue to
play and / or practice
on FieldTurf baseball
systems.
Designed For Baseball
FieldTurf is far and away the industry leader in artificial turf systems designed specifically for baseball – at all
levels of competition. What better proof is there than the reduction of error rates? Many Division I baseball
programs have reported a reduction of up to 50% in fielding errors after switching to FieldTurf.
Why Is FieldTurf DoublePlay
The Best Surface For Baseball?
The launch of FieldTurf’s DoublePlay baseball systems signify the
greatest technological advancement in baseball surfacing in decades.
FieldTurf combines the beneficial biomechanical properties of natural
grass, with the best attributes of a durable synthetic system - all weather
playability, low maintenance, safety and high performance.
FieldTurf DoublePlay Systems
DOUBLEPLAY CLASSIC
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Patented infill
Extremely durable slit-film fiber
Ball pace mimics the best real grass fields
Over 20 NCAA Division I installations
DOUBLEPLAY
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SBR Rubber and Silica Sand infill mix
Extremely durable slit-film fiber
Fastest ball pace of any SBR Rubber/Silica Sand baseball system
Different pile heights for infield and outfield
DOUBLEPLAY LASER
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[18]
SBR Rubber and exclusive Flexsand infill mix
Fiber is an extremely durable slit-film
Fastest ball pace of any baseball-specific infill system
Different pile heights for infield and outfield
DOUBLEPLAY
Tuning The Speed Of Play
FieldTurf offers its clients the ability to ‘tune’ the speed of play of the infield and outfield to slow, medium, or fast - depending on
preference. The speed of play is set through a combination of infill materials, infill depth and underlying base materials. Each of these
components are tailor-made to meet the pace of play required by each client.
Here are the five (5) pillars of FieldTurf baseball-specific product development:
1
2
Penn State Comparative Testing
Coefficient of Restitution (COR) is defined as a
ratio of two velocities: the velocity of a baseball after
impact with the surface divided by the velocity of the
ball prior to impact. The COR value is the only way to
accurately measure and compare ball speed levels on
different types of surfaces. The higher the COR value,
the faster the surface.
Penn State University tested over 20 different
surfaces, including natural grass and the top
competitive artificial turf surfaces. The objective was
to find which surfaces delivered slow, medium or fast
ball pace. Here is a snapshot of the results.
Coefficient of Restitution
.575
.572
.565
.563
.550
.516
.506
.491
.485
.316
s
y
ix
D
er
er
er
sic
nd
nd
ras
Pla
as
s3
bb
bb
as
sa
rM
Sa
eG
Cl
yL
ble
ras
%
Ru
Ru
be
lex
a
u
/
u
y
l
0
l
F
b
G
d
a
%
o
P
10
0
Pl
Ru
ay
yB
an
0%
fD
ble
10
d/
ck
xs
ble
10
eD
ur
ou
tu
an
Fle
ou
am
ldT
xs
en
fD
d
D
e
r
e
G
i
e
l
K
f
u
r
f
F
F
ur
ur
ye
er
ldT
ldT
La
oT
ay
Fie
str
Fie
3L
*A
Natural Grass Playability & Aesthetics
*Data taken from an NCAA Division I game field.
For DoublePlay and DoublePlay Laser systems, a taller
fiber blade height is used for the green-colored areas on the baseball field – outfield, foul areas, and green infield area. A slightly shorter
fiber blade height is used for all basepath areas. This small fiber height difference allows for a perfect replication of grass and clay area
transitions on natural ball fields. FieldTurf also offers its clients the option to use colored infill to match the color of a natural field and
the turf installed. In green areas, the infill will be dirt-colored. In rust areas, the infill will be rust-colored. Should the basepaths be a tan
color, the infill will be tan-colored.
3
Warning Track Technology
4
Coach Approved
5
Removable Bases
FieldTurf warning tracks are installed with a special, durable lavarock infill. This ensures there is a distinct difference in feel and sound,
for a player who is tracking a ball near the fence, without having to look down.
During a FieldTurf installation, coaches have a chance to validate the performance of the surface. This is our way of ensuring that the
field is tailored to the speed and performance that meets each customers’ needs.
Our ‘ExtraBase’ program ensures that high wear areas on a FieldTurf field are taken care of for the long-term. FieldTurf offers its clients
the option of having removable or serviced replacement home plate and base areas. The replacement of these high-traffic areas can
be done periodically as a simple ‘do-it-yourself’ option, with easy fastening and removal methods, or by one of FieldTurf’s experienced
local installation crews.
Baseball
University of Oregon - PK Park
University of Texas - Disch-Falk Field
[19]
The ultimate multi-use solution.
Turf For All-Reasons & All-Seasons
With over 2500 municipal and county installations, the FieldTurf system has proven to deliver the best value
when compared to all other artificial turf systems – and even to the very best natural grass fields. This is thanks
to FieldTurf’s ability to deliver a pro-caliber and world-class playing surface that provides many measurable
benefits to communities across the nation.
FieldTurf continues to transform previously inefficient municipal properties into long-lasting and lush playing
fields that make positive environmental contributions. FieldTurf fields help municipalities save enough money,
resources and time in order to re-invest in other areas of the community that are lacking.
Below are just some of the larger multi-field projects FieldTurf has completed:
Golden Eagle Regional Park - Sparks, NV
n 13 Fields - 1,400,000 sq. ft.
Medford Sports Park - Medford, OR
n 11 Fields - 968,000 sq. ft.
Starfire Sports Complex - Tukwila, WA
n 8 Fields - 632,000 sq. ft.
Ripken Experience Myrtle Beach - Myrtle Beach, SC
n 6 Fields - 630,000 sq. ft.
Chino Hills Community Park Field - Chino Hills, CA
n 6 Fields - 615,000 sq. ft.
City of Medford, OR
Regional Athletic Fields - Lacey, WA
n 6 Fields - 552,000 sq. ft.
Warhill Sports Complex - Williamsburg, VA
n 6 Fields - 510,000 sq. ft.
Mass Youth Soccer Association - Lancaster, MA
n 5 Fields - 445,000 sq. ft.
Warhill Sports Complex, VA
“A few of us went on trips to view turf fields in Southern California. We
went to college sites, a few parks, and some recreation sites. We knew
by our research that FieldTurf was considered to be the premier turf
on the market and we wanted the best turf available. As advertised,
FieldTurf was the best. The surfaces look great, and from other sites we
visited, FieldTurf held up under significant use. The athletes that use
our field love it, the city staff loves it, it drains well, it is generally low
maintenance, all while being environmentally sound. It’s a consistent
surface day in and day out compared to natural turf after heavy usage.”
Peter Rogers - Mayor, City of Chino Hills
[20]
Chino Hills, CA
Military Projects
FieldTurf is the turf of choice for the military. Among others, FieldTurf has numerous high profile installations for the U.S. Military
Academy, U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy, making us the most trusted name in turf for military projects.
Below are just some of the larger military field projects FieldTurf has completed:
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Fort Huachuca Army Base
Fort Lee Military Reserve
Fort Lewis Army Base
Great Lakes Navy Base - Constitution Field
Great Lakes Navy Base - Softball Field
Guantánamo Bay Naval Base - 3 Fields
Hanscom Air Force Base
Miramar Air Station - MCAS & MCRD
MWR Miramar Sports Complex (4 fields)
Sasebo Naval Base
U.S. Air Force Academy - Baseball Field
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U.S. Air Force Academy - Football Stadium
U.S. Air Force Academy - Indoor Practice Field
U.S. Air Force Academy - Soccer Field
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
U.S. Military Academy - Baseball Field
U.S. Military Academy - Howze Stadium
U.S. Military Academy - Michie Stadium-Blaik Field
U.S. Military Academy - Rugby Field
U.S. Naval Academy - Baseball Field
U.S. Naval Academy - Halsey Field House
U.S. Naval Academy - Jack Stephens Field
Organizations can now obtain FieldTurf through the federal government’s General Services Administration (GSA) program
without having to endure the lengthy and at times misleading bid process.
Visit www.gsaadvantage.gov and enter the FieldTurf contract holder number in the search box:
Guantánamo Bay Naval Base
Contract Holder
GS-07F-9631S
U.S. Naval Academy - Jack Stephens Field
“When we saw FieldTurf’s latest technology, FieldTurf
Revolution, we knew we had to have it on our stadium field.
We felt that upgrading to FieldTurf Revolution and having
the absolute best in turf technology was the right thing to do
for our program. This represents another first-class upgrade
for Navy athletics.”
Chet Gladchuk - Athletic Director, Naval Academy
Military
[21]
VERTICAL INTEGRATION = QUALITY ASSURANCE.
The Quality Standard
FieldTurf, the worldwide leader in quality, remains focused on
three pillars, all of which are supported by our triple ISO certification.
1 - Better Materials
2 - Manufacturing Excellence
3 - World Class Installations
Better Materials
Better materials make better fields. It’s that simple. The two main materials in a turf system are fiber and infill
and FieldTurf has invested heavily in selecting only the highest grade materials.
Fiber
For years, the belief throughout the industry has been that the shape of the fiber dictates its performance and
durability. While this is partly true, the real key to fiber performance is a combination of Polymer, Process, and
Geometry. This is FieldTurf’s PPG philosophy. FieldTurf has spared no expense in using the best – and now
exclusive – polymer and processing technology available on the market today.
Here are the three keys to producing high quality artificial turf fibers:
Polymer Proprietary polymer formulation to resist splitting and degradation, complete with an industry leading ultraviolet
inhibitor technology.
Process State-of-the-art extrusion process for precision manufacturing that ensures the production of an exceptionally strong fiber with
a radical reflection feature built into each artificial grass blade.
Geometry Intricate concave and ridged construction eliminates breaking points and provides the most natural looking fiber.
Infill
Cryogenic rubber is a rare grade of clean and finely rounded rubber. For improved safety and performance,
cryogenic rubber is the only grade of rubber that FieldTurf uses in its Elite system fields. Others use ambient
rubber, a cheaper grade of mass produced rubber. Ambient rubber is a jagged grade of particle and has the
propensity to migrate resulting in low filled areas which can be more dangerous to athletes and contribute to
premature fiber wear.
While most turf companies use low grade sand products, FieldTurf uses a more expensive washed silica
sand. This silica sand has the ideal shape and hardness to ensure proper performance and long term
durability. Before being installed, our washed silica sand and cryogenic rubber is tested for shape, size, safety,
consistency and durability.
[22]
Manufacturing Excellence
During the manufacturing process there are three aspects to turf construction – Fiber Production, Tufting,
and Coating. What’s important to know is that FieldTurf controls all three aspects of the value chain.
Nothing is left to a third party. Nothing is left to chance. This provides FieldTurf clients with a level of quality
assurance that simply cannot be matched.
Fiber Production: FieldTurf’s fibers are produced at our very own facility in Germany. This state-of-theart facility was opened in 2010 and as a result has turned FieldTurf into one of the most vertically integrated
companies in the world. The quality control process at the facility includes stringent testing of the yarn
properties (tensile strength, uniformity, color verification).
FieldTurf Fiber Production Plant Absteinach, Germany
Tufting and Coating: Once the fiber is produced it is ready for tufting and coating which takes place at
FieldTurf’s 500,000 square-foot facility in Calhoun, Georgia. Our triple ISO certification ensures rigorous
quality control and inspection under World Class Manufacturing (WCM) principles.
FieldTurf Tufting & Coating Plant Calhoun, GA
World Class Installations
In the turf industry, good materials aren’t enough. A world class installation team is needed to assemble the
materials properly. FieldTurf ensures the longevity and overall quality of our surfaces by taking the following
measures:
Experienced Installation Crews - By using only crews who have experience with the FieldTurf product,
FieldTurf is able to assure its customers that only those who fully understand the product and its construction
requirements handle the installation.
Sewn Seams - With so much riding on the quality of the seam construction job, FieldTurf has chosen to invest
in sewn seams rather than the cheaper glued alternative. FieldTurf’s panel seams are sewn with a double lock
stitch and FieldTurf has a proven record for fields without seam problems.
When it comes to the quality and safety of your field, you can be certain that FieldTurf settles for nothing less than the
best materials and most thorough seam installation around. There is no compromise for quality.
Make sure that your supplier
meets the following criteria:
Quality
n Self performs all fiber manufacturing, tufting, and coating
n Is ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 certified
n Sews all turf seams
[23]
The World Leader In Artificial Turf.
Why Do Customers Choose FieldTurf?
Doing business with FieldTurf is more than just about a high end product. It’s about dealing
with a company that goes above and beyond to provide its clients with a service and peace
of mind that is unmatched by any other company in the industry. This is achieved through:
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Financial Strength
The Best Warranty Protection
A Strong Commitment to the Environment
Leadership in Innovation
First Class Customer Service
Turf Purchasing Made Simple
Financial Strength
With one of the strongest equity bases in the industry, there is no better partner than
FieldTurf. Through Tarkett, in operation since 1872, FieldTurf enjoys a bonding capacity
of over $75,000,000 and has the financial strength of a company with over 130 years of
experience in the surfacing business. In 2008, renowned investment firm KKR (Kohlberg,
Kravis, & Roberts Co.) purchased 50% of Tarkett. KKR, with over $60 billion in assets,
is known in all circles of the world as a company that is among the world’s elite in
strengthening businesses and creating value.
n
The Best Warranty Protection
Even though you’ll probably never need to use it, you can rest easy knowing that you’re
protected by the industry’s best third-party insured warranty in the unlikely event
something goes wrong with your field. It’s peace of mind that sets FieldTurf apart.
n
n
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[24]
Yearly Aggregate Claim Limit of $32,000,000
Per Claim Limit of $32,000,000
All fields are automatically covered upon issuance of the Warranty Certificate
Pre-Paid for 8 years
“After having FieldTurf for 10 years, we can
honestly say that this is the best turf system on the
planet. FieldTurf obviously spends a lot of time on
R&D as their newest product that will be installed
on our field is expected to last even longer than the
previous field we had which is incredible. In our
minds FieldTurf is the safest and most durable turf
on the market.”
“All the savings in time and money that were
promised to us from the start continue to remain
true today. Even after 10 years we continue to see
a return on our investment as we maximize usage
out of our all weather FieldTurf field. We have
gone from a philosophy of keeping people off our
field to save the grass, to a philosophy of putting
everything on the field that we can.”
Brother Murphy - President,
Bergen Catholic High School
Tex Nolan - Longtime Athletic Director,
Amarillo ISD
Did You Know?
n
Strong Commitment to the Environment
The environmental benefits of artificial turf have been well documented for years. Hundreds of
studies have been completed to discover the truth about any potential risks of artificial turf. In
every case, new generation artificial turf has been found to be completely safe.
FieldTurf was the first
artificial turf company
in the world to fully
recycle a turf field. It
happened in 2010 at
War Memorial Stadium
in Arkansas.
FieldTurf was one of
the first companies to
introduce “lead free”
products and to this day
continues to use only
lead free fibers. FieldTurf Recycles
FieldTurf is 100% recyclable. When a FieldTurf installation finally comes to the end of its long life
– it continues to help our planet. FieldTurf was the first company in the industry to remove entire
turf systems and recycle them. After removal, old turf fields can now be turned into new turf infill
and backing, as well as other products, such as crude oil, custom bi-products and artificial lumber.
FieldTurf proudly offers a “Take Back” program for both sports fields and landscape applications,
whereby FieldTurf will provide customers with the option, in writing, that fields will be recycled at
the end of their useful life when replaced with another FieldTurf system.
FieldTurf’s 3-step recycling process
Field Removal
Grinding
Pelletizing
Commitment
[25]
The World Leader In Artificial Turf.
n
Leadership In The Field Of Innovation
It’s no secret that FieldTurf pioneered what is now commonly accepted as “artificial turf.” What started
with our invention of long pile, infilled artificial turf has continued with numerous industry-changing
innovations. FieldTurf has introduced engineered products that are tailor made for each segment of the
business and owns more than 30 patents that protect the company’s product offering for sporting and
non-sporting applications.
FieldTurf Innovation & Performance Center
All of FieldTurf’s systems are tested using the latest equipment in our Innovation and Performance
Center. Located at the company’s headquarters the center ensures that any and all of FieldTurf’s existing
and new systems set superior standards for performance in their respective classes.
Penn State Center for Sports Surface Research
Center for Sports
Surface Research
FieldTurf & Penn State University joined forces to mark a historic industry first in sports surface research.
The Center for Sports Surface Research is an intercollegiate program managed within the Department
of Crop and Soil Sciences in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. It is headed by Dr. Andrew
McNitt, who is regarded as a pioneer in the world of sports surface research, particularly as it relates to
natural and synthetic turf. For more information on the Penn State Center for Sports Surface Research,
please visit: ssrc.psu.edu
n
First Class Customer Service
Providing a high quality product and outstanding customer service has been a part of FieldTurf’s
successful business model since day one. Our customers are our number one priority, which is why we
have taken the time to assemble an experienced and dedicated customer service department. We follow
up with each and every one of our customers to ensure complete and consistent satisfaction.
In addition, our customer service department has assembled a comprehensive manual that covers
all field care issues. Each FieldTurf customer receives a main guide that covers everything from field
maintenance to field protection. Our devotion to our customers and their fields can be further confirmed
by the extensive line of field care products and equipment designed and catered specifically for a
FieldTurf field.
FieldCare
The ‘FieldCare’ national maintenance program is geared towards making our synthetic turf field systems
perform at their optimal level for even longer. The FieldCare program is comprised of complete field
inspections and regular maintenance done by FieldTurf authorized maintainers. The company’s large
network of skilled maintainers has enabled us to focus on longer lasting fields, greater savings and an
expanded potential for our customers to generate revenue from their fields.
[26]
“Using the SmartBuy Purchasing Program was a big time saver for our staff. We did not have to use our time to write
specifications and do all the extra research. We got the Beynon running track and FieldTurf field we wanted and saved time.”
Janice Essenberg - Director of Administrative Services, David Douglas School District
n
Turf Purchasing Made Simple
Aside from finding the right products for our customers, we’ve also taken the necessary steps to
make the turf purchasing process as easy as possible.
Just follow the 4 key steps to our Simplified Purchasing Program:
SmartBuy Purchasing Program: With our SmartBuy purchasing program, our customers get
what they want without the expensive and time-consuming bid process.
Experienced Project Administrators: FieldTurf’s in-house project administrators take
responsibility for guiding our customers through the construction process.
On-Site Construction Managers: With over 4,000 fields worth of experience, our construction
team is responsible for building your field of dreams.
Exceptional Customer Service: Contrary to how some of our competitors operate, we pride
ourselves on being a partner with our clients for the life of their field.
School and municipal improvement projects can be a very long and costly process,
with many unforeseen delays. Organizations have to go through the hassle of
advertising, investigating, obtaining designs, writing specifications, conducting
bid meetings and dealing with potentially inexperienced contractors – all while
managing and coordinating the installation process. Due to the countless steps
associated with the bid process, it is not unusual for six months to go by before
even breaking ground on a facility improvement project.
Our objective has not only been to make the best sports surfaces in the world,
but also to improve the purchasing process. With that in mind, we are proud to
introduce The SmartBuy Purchasing Program. This program encompasses the
highest quality sports surfacing products in the industry from FieldTurf and Beynon.
Whether it’s artificial turf, running tracks or court surfaces, it has never been as
simple or cost-effective to obtain the highest quality sports surfacing products.
Hundreds of organizations have chosen to purchase through one of the
cooperatives under the SmartBuy Purchasing Program because it:
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Osseo Senior High School, MN
Simplifies the ordering process
Prevents duplication of the bid process
Carries the industry’s best products
Guarantees the best value
Satisfies bid laws in many states
Provides owner with project control
Provides turnkey product solutions
Offers preferential pre-negotiated pricing
Service
Bergen Catholic High School, NJ
[27]
The World Leader In Artificial Turf.
Information
(800) 724-2969
info@fieldturf.com
www.fieldturf.com
Synthetic Turf Safety
Proven With Science
Synthetic
Turf Safety
Proven
With
Science
The Mother of Invention
The motivation for the invention of FieldTurf was twofold – improve the
health and safety of players; and protect the planet.
When FieldTurf was just an idea, athletes were being beat up playing
on the dangerous carpet surfaces of that era. Keeping grass fields in
good condition required tons of harmful pesticides and chemicals, while
irrigation wasted millions of gallons of clean water.
Health and safety was, is and always will be FieldTurf’s DNA. Because we
don’t just make turf. We make a difference.
Over the past decade, our invention has improved player safety,
reducing and preventing injuries around the globe. Our turf has
eliminated millions of pounds of pesticides and harmful chemicals from
the environment and saved billions of gallons of fresh water.
Recent news reports citing a possible link between crumb rubber and
cancer have rightfully caused great concern to all. Unfortunately, these
reports do not consider the decades of science studying exactly this
subject.
Ongoing research continues the efforts to ensure that artificial playing
fields reduce health and safety concerns. Not create them.
Before the acceptance of crumb rubber as an approved, safe, infill
material for artificial turf, hundreds of studies had been commissioned
and executed by health and safety experts worldwide.
The following pages look at some of their findings.
2
CRUMB
RUBBER
Crumb rubber, made from reclaimed tires, is an important part of the industry’s
premiere infill option for synthetic turf fields. It has been safely used in many
products since being introduced in the early 1990s, and in playgrounds and tracks
for much longer. The notoriously resilient SBR rubber material provides enhanced
durability and cushioning to prevent injuries and keeps playing surfaces safe.
Aside from its use in synthetic turf sports fields, SBR (Styrene-butadiene) rubber,
referred to as crumb rubber, is also used in a variety of products from children’s
rubber toys to surgical gloves to food packaging, and even in chewing gum.
With the growing popularity of synthetic turf, questions have surfaced about
the safety of the little black rubber pellets that protect our athletes.
Hundreds of studies have been completed to understand any potential risks
of artificial turf and its components. Government health ministries and
environmental bodies in the U.S. and Europe have commissioned extensive
research.
So have world health organizations, leading universities and independent
scientific committees. Elected officials have reacted to the concerns of their
constituents by commissioning studies to get the facts. The research has been
done. The studies exist.
Read what the experts have said in independent testing, studies and reports on
the potential health and environmental impact of artificial turf.
‘crumb rubber is also
used in a variety
of products from
children’s toys to
surgical gloves to
food packaging, even
chewing gum’
3
Ingestion/
Inhalation
“The SVOCs identified based on library matches of their mass spectra were not
present in toxicological databases evaluated and many are ubiquitous parts of
consumer products. Similarly, the metal concentrations measured in field samples
indicate that the risk would be de minimis among all populations expected to
use artificial turf fields”
Brian T. Pavilonis, Clifford P. Weisel, Brian Buckley, and Paul J. Lioy.,
“Bioaccessibility and Risk Exposure to Metals and SVOC’s in Artificial Turf Field
Fill Materials and Fibers (2013)”
“The uptake of PAH of football players active on artificial grass fields with rubber
crumb infill is minimal. If there is any exposure, then the uptake is very limited
and within the range of uptake of PAH from environmental sources and/or diet.”
Joost G. M. van Rooij, Frans J. Jongeneelen, “Hydroxypyrene in urine of
football players after playing on artificial sports field with tire crumb infill
(December 2008)”
“Genotoxicity testing of tire crumb samples following solvent extraction
concluded that no DNA or chromosome-damaging chemicals were present. This
suggests that ingestion of small amounts of tire crumb by small children will not
result in an unacceptable hazard of contracting cancer.”
Enviro-Test Laboratories, Alberta Centre for Injury Control and Research,
Department of Public Health Sciences, July 2003, ‘Toxicological Evaluation for
the Hazard Assessment of Tire Crumb for Use in Public Playgrounds’
“Based upon the current evidence, a public health risk appears unlikely. A variety
of governmental bodies including Norway, Sweden, New Jersey and California
have recently reviewed the health issues; their assessments have not found a
public health threat. Sources of exposure unrelated to artificial turf fields are
likely more important than the turf fields for many chemicals.”
Connecticut Department of Public Health, October 2007, ‘Artificial Turf Fields:
Health Questions’
‘sources of exposure
unrelated to artificial
turf fields are likely
more important than
the turf fields’
“Based on the minimal concentrations of chemicals detected, it is considered
very unlikely that any significant adverse vapor (inhalation) exposures would
occur to humans in close proximity to where crumb rubber is used in outdoor
applications.”
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science,
Research, and Technology, June 2007, ‘Environmental Assessment and Risk
Analysis - Preliminary Assessment of the Toxicity from Exposure to Crumb
Rubber: its use in Playgrounds and Artificial Turf Playing Fields’
4
DERMAL
CONTACT
“Tire crumb does not contain chemicals with high vapour pressures, exposure via
inhalation deemed low risk. Oral ingestion deemed low risk because ingestion not
likely, furthermore, question of how effective stomach acids and enzymes are at
extracting toxic chemicals from tire crumb and transporting them into the blood
stream.”
D.A. Birkholz, Director, Research & Development, ALS Laboratory Group,
Edmonton, Alberta, October 2006, ‘Assessing the Health and Environmental
Impact from the Use of End-of-Life Tire Rubber Crumb as Artificial Turf in Sports
Arenas’
“Based on the available literature on exposure to rubber crumb by swallowing,
inhalation and skin contact and our experimental investigations on skin contact
we conclude that there is not a significant health risk due to the presence of
rubber infill from used car tyres.”
INTRON, commissioned by two tyre associations, and supervised by the
National Institute for Public Health and the Environment and by the Ministry
of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment in the Netherlands, April
2008, ‘Follow-up study of the environmental aspects of rubber infill’
“Dermal exposure deemed low risk because carrier solvent is needed to
extract toxic chemicals from tire crumb and to penetrate protective skin
layers”
D.A. Birkholz, Director, Research & Development, ALS Laboratory Group,
Edmonton, Alberta, October 2006, ‘Assessing the Health and Environmental
Impact from the Use of End-of-Life Tire Rubber Crumb as Artificial Turf in Sports
Arenas’
“The uptake of PAH by athletes who have contact with crumb rubber
synthetic turf is negligible. As far as dermal contact is concerned, the
Norwegian Institute of Public Health and Radium Hospital (2006) carried
out an extensive analysis of possible health concerns. The study found that
there was no evidence to suggest that allergic reactions were caused by
exposure to crumb rubber and speculated that latex in car tires was either
- less available for uptake or was - deactivated as an allergen.”
University of California, Berkeley and the Corporation for Manufacturing
Excellence (Manex), February 2010, ‘Review of the Impacts of Crumb Rubber in
Artificial Turf Applications’
‘there is
not a significant
health risk due to
the presence of
rubber infill’
5
AIR QUALITY
“Levels of chemicals in the air at synthetic turf fields do not raise a significant
health concern. “
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation & New York State
Department of Health, May 2009, ‘An Assessment of Chemical Leaching,
Releases to Air and Temperature at Crumb-Rubber Infilled Synthetic Fields’
“Twenty air samples were collected above and around two synthetic turf
playing surfaces in Connecticut. Ten of the samples were analyzed for volatile
nitrosamine content and 10 were analyzed for benzothiazole and 4-(tert-octyl)
phenol content. The samples were collected on warm, late summer days during
periods of light to calm winds. In one case, the synthetic turf surface had been
groomed three days prior to the sampling. The sampling was conducted during
periods when the temperature of the crumb rubber in-fill material was elevated
due to exposure to the sun. The combination of air temperatures, surface
temperatures, wind speed and, the recent maintenance of one of the fields, are
believed to be conditions favorable for generating maximum concentrations of
the analytes in the air column above and around the playing surfaces. This study
determined that under favorable conditions for vapor generation, no detectable
concentrations of volatile nitrosamines or 4-(tert-octyl) phenol existed in the air
column at a height of four feet above the tested synthetic playing surfaces or in
the air either upwind or downwind of the fields.”
Milone & MacBroom, engineering, landscape architecture, and environmental
science firm based in Connecticut, December 2008, ‘Evaluation of the
Environmental Effects of Synthetic Turf Athletic Fields’
‘larger granules
used in artificial
turf will have even
less potential for
emissions.’
“The majority of the studies have been on higher surface area particles and have
concluded they are currently acceptable. Therefore the larger granules used in
artificial turf will have even less potential for emissions. For example a study
undertaken by the Danish Ministry of the Environment concluded that the health
risk on children’s playgrounds that contained both worn tyres and granulate
rubber was insignificant. The available body of research does not substantiate
the assumption that cancer resulting from exposure to SBR granulate infills in
artificial turf could potentially occur.”
Prof. Dr. Jiri Dvorak, FIFA, July 2006, ‘An Open Letter concerning the
potential cancer risk from certain granulate infills from artificial turf’
6
Air Quality/
VOCs
“It is unlikely that any losses could occur to air or water in concentrations that
would pose serious human or environmental risk. This opinion is supported
by the reports and academic studies reviewed, which have shown insignificant
environmental effects of such chemicals or release of volatiles and particulates
into the atmosphere.”
British Standards Institute (BSI), the Sports and Play Construction
Association (SAPCA), March 2007, ‘Twenty Questions [and Answers] on
Rubber Granulate’
“The results of the INERIS Health Risk Evaluation, based on the concentration
of the substances and worst-case scenarios, indicate that the VOC and aldehyde
emissions from the three types of artificial grass fields studied in small and poorly
ventilated indoor gymnasium situations are of no cause for concern for human
health, for the workers installing the surfaces as well as for the general public,
professional or amateur athletes, adults and children. In conclusion to its study,
the INERIS stipulates that the health risks associated with the inhalation of VOC
and aldehydes emitted by artificial grass fields in outdoor situations give no cause
for concern towards human health.”
Aliapur & Ademe (Environmental French Agency), 2007, ‘Environmental and
Health Evaluation of the Use of Elastomer Granulates (Virgin and from Used
Tyres) as Filling in Third-Generation Artificial Turf’
‘indoor
gymnasium situations
are of no cause for
concern for human
health’
7
WATER
Quality
“The artificial (FieldTurf) field at Tabor Academy does not pose a threat to water
quality or aquatic life. Water samples taken from the field in 2013 were tested for
arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury and zinc.”
Camp, Dresser, McKee and Smith, Inc, “Tabor Academy – Synthetic Turf Athletic
Field Evaluation (March 2014)”
“There is no significant threat from chemicals leaching into surface water and
groundwater. While some chemicals can be released from crumb rubber over time,
they are in small concentrations and are reduced by absorption, degradation and
dilution - resulting in no significant impact on groundwater or surface water.“
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation & New York State
Department of Health, May 2009, ‘An Assessment of Chemical Leaching,
Releases to Air and Temperature at Crumb-Rubber Infilled Synthetic Fields’
“The evaluation of the stormwater drainage quality from synthetic turf athletic
fields included the collection and analysis of eight water samples over a period
of approximately one year from three different fields, the collection and analysis
of samples of crumb rubber in-fill from the same three fields plus a sample of raw
crumb rubber obtained from the manufacturer, and the evaluation of the effect
of the stone base material on the pH of the drainage water. The results of the
study indicate that the actual stormwater drainage from the fields allows for the
complete survival of the test species called Daphnia pulex. An analysis of the
concentration of metals in the actual drainage water indicates that metals do
not leach in amounts that would be considered a risk to aquatic life as compared
to existing water quality standards. Analysis of the laboratory based leaching
potential of metals in accordance with acceptable EPA methods indicates that
metals will leach from the crumb rubber but in concentrations that are within
ranges that could be expected to leach from native soil.”
Milone & MacBroom, engineering, landscape architecture, and environmental
science firm based in Connecticut, December 2008, ‘Evaluation of the
Environmental Effects of Synthetic Turf Athletic Fields’
‘no basis for health
or environmental
concern due to
leaching of
hazardous
materials’
“Given that undiluted runoff is not likely and that three months is an outside
estimate of the duration of toxicity, it is doubtful that tire crumb would present
a significant risk of contamination in receiving surface waters or groundwater.”
Enviro-Test Laboratories, Alberta Centre for Injury Control and Research,
Department of Public Health Sciences, July 2003, ‘Toxicological Evaluation
for the Hazard Assessment of Tire Crumb for Use in Public Playgrounds’
“Several recent studies explored this concern in great depth and found no basis
for health or environmental concern due to leaching of hazardous materials from
synthetic turf installations, similar to the one at Maple Park. REAC believes that
there is sufficient evidence to support the conclusion that the field design at
Maple Park poses no risk to the local environment in Ridgewood.”
Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC) January-October 2009,
‘Assessment of Environmental, Health and Human Safety Concerns Related to
the Synthetic Turf Surface at Maple Park in Ridgewood, NJ’
8
PAHS /
CANCER RISK
“The SVOCs identified based on library matches of their mass spectra were not
present in toxicological databases evaluated and many are ubiquitous parts of
consumer products. Similarly, the metal concentrations measured in field samples
indicate that the risk would be de minimis among all populations expected to use
artificial turf fields”
Brian T. Pavilonis, Clifford P. Weisel, Brian Buckley, and Paul J. Lioy.,
“Bioaccessibility and Risk Exposure to Metals and SVOC’s in Artificial Turf Field Fill
Materials and Fibers (2013)”
“The uptake of PAH of football players active on artificial grass fields with rubber
crumb infill is minimal. If there is any exposure, then the uptake is very limited
and within the range of uptake of PAH from environmental sources and/or diet.”
Joost G. M. van Rooij, Frans J. Jongeneelen, “Hydroxypyrene in urine of football
players after playing on artificial sports field with tire crumb infill (December
2008)”
“…risk is well below the di minimis level of 1 x 10-6 (one in one million),
generally considered an acceptable cancer risk due to its small magnitude compared
to the overall cancer rate”
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment / California Integrated Waste
Management Board, “Evaluation of Health Effects of Recycled Waste Tires in
Playground and Track Products (January 2007)”
“Genotoxicity testing of tire crumb samples following solvent extraction concluded
that no DNA or chromosome-damaging chemicals were present. This suggests that
ingestion of small amounts of tire crumb by small children will not result in an
unacceptable hazard of contracting cancer.”
Enviro-Test Laboratories, Alberta Centre for Injury Control and Research,
Department of Public Health Sciences “Toxicological Evaluation for the Hazard
Assessment of Tire Crumb for Use in Public Playgrounds (July 2003)”
‘‘the uptake is
within the range of
uptake of PAH from
other environmental
sources or diet’’
9
PAHS /
CANCER RISK
“The uptake of PAH by athletes who have contact with crumb rubber synthetic turf
is negligible.”
University of California, Berkeley and the Corporation for Manufacturing
Excellence (Manex), “Review of the Impacts of Crumb Rubber in Artificial Turf
Applications (February 2010)”
“Based upon the information reviewed on PAH exposure in humans and the results
of the PAH air testing performed by J.C. Broderick & Associates, the potential
for exposure to PAHs during normal use of the athletic field at Schreiber and
Comsewogue appears to be minimal or insignificant.”
J.C. Broderick & Associates, commissioned by Schreiber High School and
Comsewogue High School (NY), October 2007, ‘Ambient Air Sampling for PAH’s’
“The studies to date have concluded that PAHs (Polynuclear Aromatic
Hydrocarbons) are not released or at most negligibly released from tyre abradate
(The University of Dortmund Institute for Environmental Research 1997).
Epidemiological studies conducted by the Health Effects Institute, The World
Health Organisation and other investigators do not implicate tyre wear particles in
ambient air as contributing to human health effects (respiratory and cardiovascular
diseases).”
Prof. Dr. Jiri Dvorak, FIFA, July 2006, ‘An Open Letter concerning the potential
cancer risk from certain granulate infills from artificial turf’
“The majority of the studies have been on higher surface area particles and have
concluded they are currently acceptable. Therefore the larger granules used in
artificial turf will have even less potential for emissions. For example a study
undertaken by the Danish Ministry of the Environment concluded that the health
risk on children’s playgrounds that contained both worn tyres and granulate
rubber was insignificant. The available body of research does not substantiate the
assumption that cancer resulting from exposure to SBR granulate infills in artificial
turf could potentially occur.”
Prof. Dr. Jiri Dvorak, FIFA, July 2006, ‘An Open Letter concerning the potential
cancer risk from certain granulate infills from artificial turf’
10
MRSA/Staph
The spread of MRSA has prompted parents and other concerned citizens to
rightfully question why their children are getting sick. Recent research has proven
that synthetic turf does not play a role in promoting MRSA/staph and the concerns
are often brought on by companies or lobbyists with a vested interest in antimicrobial products.
Research at Penn State confirms that Staph is not an issue on turf and that
natural grass harbors more bacteria.
http://plantscience.psu.edu/research/centers/ssrc/research/synthetic-turfresearch-penn-state
In conclusion, there are generally lower numbers of total microbes present in
the infill or fibers of the synthetic turf systems tested compared to natural
turfgrass rootzones and Staphylococcus aureus bacterium were not found on
any of the playing surfaces. Staphylococcus aureus bacterium were found on
towels and other devices used by athletes.
Under non-extreme temperature and very limited light conditions present
during the indoor portion of this study, S. aureus survived on both synthetic
and natural turfgrass for multiple days. However, the bacteria do not appear
to thrive under these conditions as the numbers of surviving bacteria decrease
significantly with time.
http://plantscience.psu.edu/research/centers/ssrc/documents/human-healthissues-on-synthetic-turf-in-the-usa.pdf
Based on the findings of the S. aureus survey, concern that infilled synthetic
turf harbours and provides a breeding ground for S. aureus bacteria is
unwarranted within the context of this study. S. aureus bacteria were found on
a number of surfaces that athletes commonly come into contact with, such as
towels and blocking pads; however, the tested synthetic turf did not contain
any S. aureus. It is important to note that synthetic turf is more abrasive
than natural turf grass and, as a result, breaks in the skin are more common,
creating a pathway for infection when in contact with an infected surface.
The “Recommended Practices for the Maintenance of Infill Surfaces for NFL Games”
states that “Clubs should not use antimicrobial agents on infill turf surfaces. The
medical and scientific communities have not documented any benefit of using such
agents on infill turf surfaces and there may be potential disbenefit to doing so.”
11
RP 4: Anti-Bacterial Agents Recommendation recap:
MRSA/Staph
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recognize infill
turf as a significant source of MRSA infections. [See Appendix E] As the CDC
has stated “[t]here is a lack of evidence that large-scale use (e.g., spraying
or fogging rooms or surfaces) of disinfectants will prevent MRSA infections
more effectively than a more targeted approach of cleaning frequently-touched
surfaces.” [See Appendix E] This RP should not be interpreted as preventing
the use of cleansing agents such as detergents and soaps to clean infill turf
surfaces provided that such cleaning is performed in accordance with the
recommendations of the applicable turf and cleaning agent manufacturers.
References on the Use of Anti-Bacterial Agents:
Aureden, K. and S. Garber. 2003. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Infections Among Competitive Sports Participants --- Colorado, Indiana,
Pennsylvania, and Los Angeles County, 2000– 2003. MMWR 52(33);793-795.
http://www.apic.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Reports1&Template=/CM/
ContentDisplay.cf m&ContentFileID=4262
Begier et al. 2004. A High-Morbidity Outbreak of Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus among Players on a College Football Team, Facilitated by
Cosmetic Body Shaving and Turf Burns. Clin Inf Dis;39:1446–53.
Kazakova et al. 2005. A Clone of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
among Professional Football Players. N Engl J Med;352:468-75.
McNitt, A.S. 2005. Synthetic turf in the USA - Trends and issues. Int. Turfgrass
Soc. Res. J. 10:27-33.
McNitt, A.S., D.M. Petrunak, and T.J. Serensits. 2008. A Survey for the Presence
of Staphylococcus aureus in the Infill Media of Synthetic Turf. Acta Horticulture.
783:567-572. http://cropsoil.psu.edu/ssrc/research/microbial
“Outbreaks of antibiotic-resistant strains of staph last year gained significant
media attention, resulting in the temporary closing of school buildings and athletic
facilities. Our research found that infilled synthetic turf systems do not harbor
significant populations of staph bacteria to warrant concern.”
Dr. Andrew McNitt, Associate Professor of Soil Science at Penn State University,
June 2007, ‘A Survey of Microbial Populations in Infilled Synthetic Turf Fields’
12
MRSA/Staph
The California EPA’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment conducted a
review of available literature entitled, Chemicals and Particulates in the Air Above
the New Generation of Artificial Turf Playing Fields, and Artificial Turf as a Risk
Factor for Infection by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). The
review concluded that “there is a negligible human health risk from inhaling the air
above synthetic turf and it is unlikely that the new generation of artificial turf is
itself a source of MRSA.”
California EPA Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, July 2009,
‘Chemicals and Particulates in the Air Above the New Generation of Artificial Turf
Playing Fields, and Artificial Turf as a Risk Factor for Infection by MethicillinResistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)’
“This confirms what we thought all along,” Cole said. “The speed with which we
obtained the results is a testament to how clean things are there.”
Allegheny County Health Department, October 2007
“There is no data to suggest that turf will ever spread MRSA. We sampled the
turf for the Rams’ investigation and didn’t find it. We actually observed the
game. We mapped where the contact on the turf occurred. We sampled those
areas where the players were tackled. And then we sampled areas where there
wasn’t any direct contact to the turf. We didn’t find any Staph or MRSA.”
Jeff Hageman, Centers for Disease Control, May 2006
‘there is
no connection
between current
generation synthetic
surfaces and MRSA
infections’
“In the outbreaks of MRSA, the environment has not played a significant role
in the transmission of MRSA. MRSA is transmitted most frequently by direct
skin-to-skin contact. You can protect yourself from infections by practicing
good hygiene (e.g., keeping your hands clean by washing with soap and
water or using an alcohol-based hand rub and showering after working
out); covering any open skin area such as abrasions or cuts with a clean dry
bandage; avoiding sharing personal items such as towels or razors; using a
barrier (e.g., clothing or a towel) between your skin and shared equipment;
and wiping surfaces of equipment before and after use.”
Centers for Disease Control, February 2005
“We have an injury reporting tracking system and it’s limited by sample size,
but we haven’t had any linkage to turf,” said the NCAA’s David Klossner. “I
know there have been some reports in the media. The CDC continues to tell us
that the turf is not a harbor for this MRSA/staph infection. And if things are
handled appropriately as far as hygiene practices, common sense, and wound
cleaning and coverage, then a lot of these things can be prevented.”
NCAA Director of Health and Safety, David Klossner, November 2006
“MRSA infection has never been reported in connection with the synthetic
surface at Maple Park or similar field designs. Several studies have proven that
there is no connection between current generation synthetic surfaces and
MRSA infections.”
Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC) January-October
2009, ‘Assessment of Environmental, Health and Human Safety Concerns
Related to the Synthetic Turf Surface at Maple Park in Ridgewood, NJ’
13
In most climates, heat on synthetic turf fields is not an issue. But on a hot summer
day, things outside can get hot.
HEAT
OVERVIEW
Dr. Andy McNitt, head of the Penn State Center for Sports Surface Research, advises
trainers to be aware of the heat when practicing in the summer on clear days. He
recommends cutting down on practice times, considering pulling players off fields
earlier and taking more breaks to cool down.
Collected data indicated that the air temperature as measured at a distance of two
feet above the synthetic turf surface ranged from one to five degrees greater than
the observed ambient air temperature, while the temperature at the same height
above the natural turf ranged from 3° F lower to 1° F greater than the ambient
air temperature. The measured air temperature at a height of five feet above the
synthetic turf more closely approximated the ambient air temperature. Measured
air temperatures ranged from 2° F lower to 2° F greater than the ambient air
temperature.
‘measured air
temperatures ranged
from 2° F lower to
2° F greater than
the ambient air
temperature’
Natural Grass
Synthetic Turf
Time of day
(hrs)
Ambient
Temperature
̊F
̊F
̊F
̊F
̊F
12:00
101
99
101
103
101
12:30
101
99.7
101
104
101
13:00
103
100
103
104
101
13:30
102
101
102
103
101
14:00
101
100
101
103
101
14:30
99
97
99
104
101
15:00
99
100
99
104
101
Air Temperature
2 feet above
surface
Air Temperature
5 feet above
surface
Air Temperature
2 feet above
surface
Air Temperature
5 feet above
surface
“The results of the temperature measurements obtained from the fields studied in
Connecticut indicate that solar heating of the materials used in the construction
of synthetic turf playing surfaces does occur and is most pronounced in the
polyethylene and polypropylene fibers used to replicate natural grass, rather than
the crumb rubber particles. Rapid cooling of the fibers was noted if the sunlight
was interrupted or filtered by clouds. Significant cooling was also noted if water
was applied to the synthetic fibers in quantities as low as one ounce per square
foot. The elevated temperatures noted for the fibers generally resulted in an air
temperature increase of less than five degrees even during periods of calm to low
winds.”
Milone & MacBroom, engineering, landscape architecture, and environmental
science firm based in Connecticut
14
HEAT
OVERVIEW
“The study entitled ‘Incidence, Mechanisms, and Severity of Game-Related College
Football Injuries on FieldTurf versus Natural Grass - A Three Year Prospective Study’,
shows that there were double the amount of heat-related illnesses on natural grass
playing surfaces compared with FieldTurf artificial turf fields.”
Michael C. Meyers, PhD, FACSM, Department of Health and Human
Development Montana State University
“The ambient air above both surfaces differed by only 3ºF at 12” above the
surface and approximately 2ºF at 39” (the approximate chest height of a typical
youth athlete). The differences in the ambient air were undetectable without a
thermometer. In both cases, the ambient air temperature above the surfaces was
slightly higher than the general air temperature.”
Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC) January-October 2009,
‘Assessment of Environmental, Health and Human Safety Concerns Related to
the Synthetic Turf Surface at Maple Park in Ridgewood, NJ’
‘there were double
the amount of heatrelated illnesses on
natural grass playing
surfaces compared
with FieldTurf
artificial turf fields’
15
LEAD
In April 2008, some synthetic turf fields in New Jersey were shut down by the
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services for elevated levels of lead.
However, test results have since indicated there was no lead in the air, soil or in
the dust created by the removal of one of the fields.
Both fields were subsequently re-opened.
Lead chromate is not lead carbonate, the lead formerly found in paint. This
inorganic substance is used to color the synthetic turf fiber. In synthetic
turf, the silica-coated, encapsulated pigment particles are used to improve
performance characteristics and reduce toxicity. Bioavailability of lead
from pigment is extremely low. It is almost completely insoluble, not an
inhalation hazard and not readily absorbed by the body if ingested.
16
LEAD
“In July 2008, a U.S. Product Safety Commission staff report concluded that
synthetic turf fields are OK to install and play on for people of all ages. The
evaluation of older and newer synthetic turf fields concluded that ‘young children
are not at risk from exposure to lead in these fields.’ The report showed that
newer fields had no lead or generally had the lowest lead levels. Although small
amounts of lead were detected on the surface of some older fields, none of the
tested fields released amounts of lead that would be harmful to children.”
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, July 2008, “CPSC Staff Finds
Synthetic Turf Fields OK to Install, OK to Play On”
“Testing on FieldTurf fields have consistently shown 10-20 ppms or less than 5%
of the lead level regarded as problematic. No cases of elevated blood lead levels
in children have been linked to artificial turf on athletic fields in New Jersey and
elsewhere.”
Center for Disease Control (CDC), June 2008, “Potential Exposure to Lead in
Artificial Turf: Public Health Issues, Actions, and Recommendations”
“Based on existing HUD Guidelines and EPA standards, lead hazard risk assessments
at these four DPR synthetic turf fields did not identify lead hazards.”
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, January 2008
“Lead chromate levels are well below that necessary to cause harm to children
and athletes using the popular playing field surfaces. No acute health risks due
to use of artificial turf fields, and risks due to chronic and repeated exposure are
unlikely.”
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS), April 2008
“A sample of stormwater was collected from the drainage system of two fields on
April 28, 2008, and July 24, 2008, respectively. The results showed that lead was
not detected in the drainage from either field.”
Milone & MacBroom, engineering, landscape architecture, and environmental
science firm based in Connecticut, December 2008, ‘Evaluation of the
Environmental Effects of Synthetic Turf Athletic Fields’
‘young children
are not at risk from
exposure to lead in
these fields’
“Because the lead chromate is encapsulated in the fibers, it is presumed not to be
bioavailable (is not released through contact) and cannot be absorbed by humans or
other living systems. Research shows that contact with, or incidental ingestion of,
the fibers or rubber infill poses no health risk.”
Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC) January-October 2009,
‘Assessment of Environmental, Health and Human Safety Concerns Related to
the Synthetic Turf Surface at Maple Park in Ridgewood, NJ’
17
what the
experts say
“The lead levels that were discovered are isolated to the core samples of the turf,
and did not appear in the samples of dust, wipes and blades of artificial grass
taken from the field - in other words, the lead is encapsulated in the fibers inside
the turf and not leaching out to the surface to be ingested.”
Patrick Guilmette – PMT Group; premier environmental and consulting
engineering firm in NY, NJ, CT, PA
“If a green synthetic turf field containing lead chromate is still green, then the
lead chromate is still in the yarn. If the Yellow Chromate had leached out, the
field would likely be blue. Lead chromate is stable when encapsulated in the
fiber into which it is extruded. Being encapsulated in the fiber, the lead in the
lead chromate is not readily bio-available - meaning that even if the yarn breaks
down, the lead in the complex compound which is lead chromate is not readily
absorbed by the body.”
Dr. Davis Lee, Ph.D, Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Executive in Residence at
the Georgia Institute of Technology School of Polymer, Textile, and Fiber
Engineering, April 2008
“In interpreting the health risk from these results, it is important to recognize
that people do not ingest the actual turf fibers. The NJ and EPA soil standards
of 400 mg/kg are based on an assumption that small children may ingest
approximately 100 mg of soil per day through hand to mouth activity. Thus,
comparing the concentration of lead in the turf fiber to an acceptable soil lead
concentration is not an accurate way to evaluate the human health risk from
exposure to lead in turf fibers and is likely to overestimate risk, because the turf
fiber is unlikely to be ingested (if at all) to the same extent as lead in soil.
The best way to evaluate exposure to lead on synthetic turf fields is to evaluate
the dust present on the surface of the field. When people play on the field, they
may get dust onto their hands or other exposed skin, and transfer the dust into
their mouth through normal hand to mouth activity. Thus, the primary route of
exposure we are concerned with is ingestion of dust. Lead has no appreciable
absorption through the skin, and the inhalation of dust from the field is expected
to be minimal, as any dust is likely to adhere to the turf fiber or rubber crumb
padding rather than becoming airborne.”
Toxicologist Dr. Barbara D. Beck, a lecturer in Toxicology at Harvard; Former
Chief of Air Toxics Staff in Region I EPA; Fellow, Interdisciplinary Programs in
Health at the Harvard School of Public Health, May 2008
‘none of the tested
fields released
amounts of lead that
would be harmful to
children’
18
Concern for a safe and healthy environment is always of paramount importance.
Going Green. Eco-friendly. Environmentally safe. These are common phrases heard
over and over as we push for a clean, sustainable future.
CONCLUSION
The recent spate of media coverage concerning artificial/synthetic turf is more
hype than fact. It is important to first get the truth from the science.
We are not aware of an injury or sickness diagnosed as a result of inhalation,
ingestion, or of exposure to any of the components in the FieldTurf system.
Research and testing has been and continues to confirm that properly
manufactured synthetic turf surfaces are a safe and sizeable contributor to an
eco-friendly lifestyle.
Many countries have commissioned extensive studies to identify any potential
dangers of crumb rubber (SBR). Throughout the years such research and testing
has been carried out by world health associations, national health departments,
municipal and federal groups, sporting associations, environmental protection
groups, government ministries and official bodies.
These studies originated mostly in countries where environmental issues are of
paramount importance. When the potential dangers were first presented,
some countries even prohibited the use of SBR rubber in artificial grass fields.
To our knowledge, the countries that originally restricted or prohibited the use
of SBR have reversed their position since reviewing the data and results of the
comprehensive studies they instituted.
The research has been done. The studies exist. Get the
facts and find out for yourself.
19
Synthetic Turf Safety
Proven With Science
Information
(800) 724-2969
info@fieldturf.com
www.fieldturf.com
Annual Maintenance Costs
Whether you have been involved in a sports facility management role or not, the process of bringing an artificial turf field to life
can be a tricky one. There are many steps and stages that need to be considered in order to ensure that the best interests of
your facility, finances and future are being taken care of.
In an industry notorious for company bankruptcies and worthless warranties, FieldTurf stands apart. It has always been both
innovative AND profitable. Through Tarkett, in operation since 1872, FieldTurf enjoys the strongest equity base in the entire
industry. Profitable year after year, the sound financials of the company ensure that our customers’ investments are fully and
carefully protected.
When it comes time to making a decision which will have a significant and direct impact on the future of your facility, being well
informed is the best way to ensure success. Some people with their own agenda attempt to sway people from purchasing synthetic
turf citing various unfounded reasons. The research has been done. The studies exist. Get the facts and find out for yourself.
1
2
3
Proven Performance - FieldTurf has what every athletic program needs. The most
durable and the safest turf on earth. That reputation was built at America’s Schools one field at a time.
Customer Service Track Record - FieldTurf maintains the only fully functioning and
self-sufficient team in the business.
Financial Stability & Insured Warranty - FieldTurf enjoys the strongest equity base
in the entire industry.
4
5
6
Performance Infill - By implementing a three layered silica sand and cryogenic rubber system, FieldTurf fields have been
praised as the closest thing to natural grass.
True Monofilament Fibers - Featuring a unique and durable spine within each fiber, FieldTurf’s monofilament fibers have
been built to last.
Quality Control - From the beginning, FieldTurf’s founders recognized that total quality control could only be guaranteed
by being masters of their own destiny. FieldTurf’s plants ensure a consistent high quality product and uniform
installations around the globe.
Design Capabilities - Using FieldTurf’s design/build structure, you can assure that the best team is assembled - the best
supplier with the best design team.
7
8
9
10
Installation Experience and Seaming Technology - With so much riding on the quality of the seam construction,
FieldTurf has chosen to invest in sewn seams rather than the cheaper glued alternative.
(Based on Field Size of 80,000 Square Feet)
Natural Grass Field
Cost per Use: Natural Grass vs. FieldTurf
Maintenance:
Base:
Incl.; herbicides, pesticides, re-sodding, water, mowing
Initial Capital Cost
Excavation,
preparation, engineering
Scheduling possibilities:
Year 1
Estimated
cost
Materials:
Average cost per hour of use
Sod
sq. ft.)
Year ($2.75
2
FieldTurf ($5.00 sq. ft.)
Year 3
Testing - A long-term, ongoing testing program has proven that FieldTurf is safer than any other turf system and equal to,
if not better than, natural grass in most critical areas of player safety.
Natural
Grass
Field
$52,500.00
x 10
yrs $525,000.00
Natural
Grass
Field
$1,065,000.00
$540,000
40 hrs x 25 Same
weeks x 10 years
New Sod,
Drainage,
Irrigation
$320,000.00
=
10,000 hours
$52,500
FieldTurf
$5,000.00
x 10 yrs Field
$50,000.00
FieldTurf
Field
$770,000.00
$720,000
Same x 10 years
68 hrs x 44 weeks
$320,000.00
= $5,000
29,920 hours
$220,000.00
$52,500
$5,000
$400,000.00
$5,000
$106.50
$52,500
$25.74
Year
4
Maintenance:
Incl.; 5herbicides, pesticides, re-sodding, water, mowing
Year
Scheduling possibilities:
Year 6
Initial Capital Cost
Year 7
Average
cost per hour of use
Year 1
Year 8
Year 9
Year 2
Year 10
Year 3
Ten Year Total
$5,000
$52,500.00 $52,500
x 10 yrs $525,000.00 $5,000.00 x 10
yrs $50,000.00
$1,065,000.00
$770,000.00
$52,500
$5,000
Natural
Grass
Field
FieldTurf
40
hrs x 25 weeks
x 10
years
68 hrs
x 44 weeks Field
x 10 years
$52,500
$5,000
= 10,000 hours
=$720,000
29,920 hours
$540,000
$52,500
$5,000
$25.74
New Sod, $106.50
Drainage, Irrigation
$5,000
$52,500
$5,000
$52,500
$52,500
$5,000
$52,500
$5,000
Size of 80,000
$52,500Square Feet)
$5,000
$52,500
$5,000
10 Year Cost Analysis
(Based on Field
$1,065,000*
Year 4
$52,500
Natural
Grass Field
*Does not include downtime for re-sodding/ seeding, or unplayable field conditions.
Year
5
$52,500
Initial Capital Cost
$540,000
Year
Year 6
1
New Sod,$52,500
Drainage, Irrigation
$770,000
$5,000Field
FieldTurf
$5,000
$720,000
$5,000
$5,000
Year 7
$52,500
$5,000
Year 8
2
$52,500
$5,000
Year 9
3
$52,500
$5,000
Year 10
4
$52,500
$5,000
$1,065,000*
$52,500
$770,000
$5,000
Ten
Year 5Year Total
Long-Term Cost Savings - Despite having a higher initial sticker price, FieldTurf still offers potential savings of
almost $1,000,000.00.
FieldTurf Field
Mowing Equipment
$7,068.00
Labor Cost ($20/Hour)
$6,000.00
$1000.00
Clipping Removal
$2,861.00
Fertilization
$4,856.00
Overseeding
$466.00
Coring
$2,848.00
Topdressing
$9,565.00
Thatch Removal
$185.00
Natural$846.00
Grass Field
FieldTurf Field
Monitor Irrigation
Equipment
Depreciation and Fuel
$3,500.00
$1,500.00
Mowing
Equipment
$7,068.00
Labor
$6,000.00
$1000.00
Water Cost ($20/Hour)
$5,400.00
Clipping
Removal
$2,861.00
Re-Striping
Field Lines:
$1000.00
Labor
$5,800.00
Fertilization
$4,856.00
$1500.00
Material
$3,105.00
Overseeding
$466.00
Coring
$2,848.00
Total
$52,500.00
$5,000
Topdressing
Natural$9,565.00
Grass Field
FieldTurf Field
Thatch Removal
$185.00
Mowing
Equipment
$7,068.00
MonitorCost
Irrigation
$846.00
Labor
($20/Hour)
$6,000.00
$1000.00
Equipment
Depreciation and Fuel
$3,500.00
$1,500.00
Clipping Removal
$2,861.00
Water Cost
$5,400.00
Fertilization
$4,856.00
Re-Striping Field Lines:
Overseeding
Natural$466.00
Grass Field
FieldTurf Field
$1000.00
Labor
$5,800.00
Coring
$2,848.00
Base:
$1500.00
Material
$3,105.00
Topdressingpreparation, engineering
$9,565.00
Excavation,
Same
Same
TotalRemoval
$52,500.00
$5,000
Thatch
$185.00
Estimated
cost
$320,000.00
$320,000.00
Monitor Irrigation
$846.00
Materials:
Equipment
and Fuel
$3,500.00
$1,500.00
Sod
($2.75 Depreciation
sq. ft.)
$220,000.00
Water Cost
$5,400.00
FieldTurf
($5.00 sq. ft.)
$400,000.00
Re-Striping Field Lines:
(Based on Field Size
of 80,000
Feet)
Maintenance:
$52,500.00
x$5,800.00
10 yrs Square
$525,000.00
$5,000.00$1000.00
x 10 yrs $50,000.00
Labor
Incl.;
herbicides, pesticides, re-sodding, water, mowing
$1,065,000.00
$770,000.00
$1500.00Field
Material
$3,105.00
Natural Grass Field
FieldTurf
Scheduling possibilities:
40 hrs x 25 weeks x 10 years
68 hrs x 44 weeks x 10 years
Total
$52,500.00
$5,000
Base:
= 10,000 hours
= 29,920 hours
Excavation, preparation, engineering
Same
Same
Average
cost
per
hour
of
use
$106.50
$25.74
Estimated cost
$320,000.00
$320,000.00
Materials:
Sod ($2.75 sq. ft.)
$220,000.00
FieldTurf ($5.00 sq. ft.)
$400,000.00
Year 6
*Does
not include downtime for re-sodding/ seeding, or unplayable field$52,500
conditions.
Year 7
$52,500
$5,000
$5,000
Year 8
$52,500
$5,000
Year 9
$52,500
$5,000
Year 10
Ten Year Total
$52,500
$5,000
$1,065,000*
$770,000
*Does not include downtime for re-sodding/ seeding, or unplayable field conditions.
1-800-724-2969 | email: info@fieldturf.com | www.fieldturf.com
Profitability Study – FieldTurf vs. Natural Grass
Many of our current clients selected FieldTurf despite low-ball offers of almost $100,000 less from other turf companies. Why are
they so happy with spending more? Because they did their research and opted for the long-term durability and consistency that
only the FieldTurf system can bring to their programs. Years after installing FieldTurf, our clients are not only thrilled with their
purchase but many have enjoyed a significant return on their investment – even after 10 years!
Playable hours per year
68 hours/week X 44 playable weeks
Total:
Average field rental rate/hour
2,992 hrs/year
$100.00/hour
Potential field income/year
Playable hours/year
Average field rental rate/hour
Potential field income/year
2,992
$100.00
$299,200
These figures are based on average playable hours in a year and typical field rental costs across different climates and locations.
Historically, FieldTurf fields have been rented for a higher dollar amount than grass fields.
Natural Grass
Playable hours per year
40 hours/week x 25 playable weeks (Downtime, re-sodding)
Total:
Average field rental rate/hour
FieldTurf was not engineered to be the lowest bid. It was engineered to be the best product. As the years go by, the FieldTurf
system will not only be safer and play more consistently, but will need less maintenance and will last much longer than our
competitors’ fields. Many in the industry like to make such claims, but simply have no proof to support it. FieldTurf fields have
been in the ground for over 10 years of consistent play, season after season.
Quality is the primary determinant for the return on your investment.
Artificial Grass Fields Still in Daily Use
FieldTurf
Competition Combined
5 + years old
1087
90
6 + years old
765
35
7 + years old
538
14
8 + years old
360
7
9 + years old
235
1
10 + years old
116
0
11 + years old
54
0
12 + years old
15
0
13 + years old
4
0
Statistics as of June 2009
1,000 hours/year
$75.00/hour
Potential field income/year
Playable hours/year
Average field rental rate/hour
Potential field income/year
1,000
$75.00
$75,000
1-800-724-2969 | email: info@fieldturf.com | www.fieldturf.com
FieldTurf and the Environment
Bio-Mechanical Properties for Safety & Performance
FieldTurf uses only approved and tested materials in all of its products. These have been
tested to confirm yet again that FieldTurf’s products are safe for all players, coaches and
anyone else who steps on a FieldTurf field.
A long-term, ongoing testing program has proven that FieldTurf is safer than any other turf system and equal to, if not better than, natural grass in most critical
areas of player safety. No other company can make such a claim. Independent safety tests and in-house performance testing have been an integral part of our
business philosophy since the very first field we installed. Testing proves that on FieldTurf:
Traction, from a sports medicine standpoint, is better.
Torsional release, critical to minimize non-contact knee and ankle injuries, is quicker.
Shock attenuation properties are ideal - in fact, vs. natural grass, FieldTurf reduced neural injuries by 55% and cranial/ cervical injuries by 47%.
The installation of FieldTurf eliminates the use of harmful pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides
and fungicides, while at the same time removes thousands of tires from landfill sites.
FieldTurf requires no mowing, fertilizing, reseeding or watering and promotes a healthy
lifestyle. FieldTurf helps organizations earn the necessary points needed for U.S. Green
Building Council LEED certification. FieldTurf’s reused rubber content and water use
reduction, among other factors, can contribute multiple points towards LEED certification.
The components in the FieldTurf system, installed on more than 3500 fields worldwide, have a positive impact on the
environment. The FieldTurf system has worked wonders for organizations all over the world as a product that reduces water
consumption and pollution caused by chemical use, while increasing playing time, reducing injuries and promoting a
healthy lifestyle.
FieldTurf saves a billion gallons of fresh water every year. Coupled with reduced labor costs related to maintenance, equipment
and elimination of costs for supplies such as fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, many of our clients report a reduction in
maintenance costs of as much as $60,000 per field, per year.
“We’re very happy to have FieldTurf join the GreenScapes team in our efforts to help to prevent pollution and conserve resources
in our landscapes,” stated U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Greenscapes Program Manager, Jean Schwab.
Hundreds of studies have been completed to discover the truth about any potential risks of artificial turf. Government health
ministries and environmental bodies around the world have commissioned extensive research.
So have world health organizations, leading universities and independent scientific committees. Elected officials have reacted to
the concerns of their constituents by commissioning studies to get the facts. The research has been done. The studies exist. Get
the facts and find out for yourself.
Read what the experts have to say in independent testing, studies and reports on the potential health and environmental impact
of artificial turf.
For more information on FieldTurf and the Environment, please visit
www.fieldturf.com/environmental-responsibility
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•
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We’re committed to your safety! No one tests like FieldTurf.
Our safety is a proven fact, not an empty claim.
INJURY INCIDENCE, ETIOLOGY, AND SEVERITY OF GAME RELATED HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
INJURIES ON FIELDTURF VERSUS NATURAL GRASS:
New England Journal of Medicine - October, 2004
55% Fewer Neural Injuries
Type of Tissue Injured - Based on the total percentage of injuries reported on each playing surface, a
significantly greater percentage of neural injuries were reported on Natural Grass vs. FieldTurf.
(16.8% Natural Grass vs. 7.5% FieldTurf)
47% Fewer Cranial / Cervical Injuries
Anatomic Location of Injury - More cranial / cervical injuries were reported on Natural Grass than on
FieldTurf. (19.2% Natural Grass vs. 10.2% FieldTurf)
45% Less Time Lost to Injury
Injury Time Loss / 22+ Days - Injuries which resulted in a time loss of 22 days or more were reported
more frequently on Natural Grass than on FieldTurf. (13.6% Natural Grass vs. 7.5% FieldTurf)
38% Fewer 3rd Degree Injuries
Injury Grade - More 3rd degree injuries were reported on Natural Grass than on FieldTurf. (12.8% Natural
Grass vs. 7.9% FieldTurf)
35% Less Time Lost to Injury
Injury Time Loss / 1 - 2 Days - A significantly greater percentage of injuries resulting in a 1-2 day time loss
were reported on Natural Grass vs. FieldTurf. (28.0% Natural Grass vs. 18.4% FieldTurf)
Over a five year period of competitive play, significant differences in the incidence, type and severity of
game-related injuries were observed between playing surfaces. In regards to reducing the number of
game-related, high school football injuries, current findings suggest an advantage in selecting FieldTurf
over Natural Grass.
A FIVE-YEAR PROSPECTIVE STUDY - MARCH 2003; - Bill S. Barnhill, MD; Michael Myers, PHD FASCAM
Comparing The Head Impact Response of Three Artificial Turf Systems
Laboratory impact tests compared the head response of three artificial turf systems:
the FieldTurf system; a system comprised of rubber and sand infill; and a system of
all-rubber infill. Drop tests were done from various heights, with impacts to the rear
of an instrumented anthropomorphic mannequin headform. The greatest difference
was observed at the lower drop heights. Peak headform acceleration was recorded
for both helmeted and bare head hits. In helmeted tests, FieldTurf showed the lowest
headform Gmax. In bare head tests, FieldTurf showed the lowest headform peak
acceleration Gmax.
BIOKINETICS AND ASSOCIATES - DECEMBER 2004
City of Sparks, Nevada - Record-Breaking installation of 13 FieldTurf fields
1-800-724-2969 | email: info@fieldturf.com | www.fieldturf.com
So you want FieldTurf? Here are the important next steps:
• Ask us for our Field Building Handbook that is a comprehensive guide into the world of artificial turf. Everything you need to
know about all major facets of the process are explained in this Handbook.
• Ensure the assembly of a Planning team that will be able to work with FieldTurf’s representatives and technical experts. A good
planning team can make the difference between a poorly executed facility improvement and a well-planned operation.
• After obtaining budget numbers, secure funds and/or consider putting together a fund raising team that will drive the
campaign and ensure the successful attainment of financial goals.
• Consider FieldTurf’s financing option. In order to help make your program’s dreams come true a little quicker, FieldTurf
Financial has established a unique financing plan.
• Familiarize yourself with typical construction schedules to avoid delays. The sooner you get everything organized the less of a
chance the construction will be delayed.
• Study the FieldTurf warranty and compare it to other warranties in the artificial turf industry. You will see for yourself that your
investment is carefully protected by the largest sports surfacing company in the world.
• Educate your team on the maintenance involved with FieldTurf fields. Ensuring that the level of playability remains consistent
will depend entirely on your dedication to maintenance and the equipment that you incorporate into your maintenance program.
• We will be happy to guide you through the rest of the process - give us a call today to get started on making your field of
dreams a reality.
(800) 724-2969 | info@fieldturf.com | www.fieldturf.com