Recommendation:
That the October 21, 2008 Community
Services Department report 2008CSR019 be received for information.
Report Summary
This report provides a cost-benefit analysis of increased use of artificial turf and identifies suitable new artificial turf locations.
Previous Council/Committee Action
At the February 4, 2008, Community
Services Committee meeting, the following motion was passed:
That Administration prepare a report for the June 9, 2008, Community
Services Committee meeting that provides:
1. a cost-benefit analysis (including environmental analysis) on the feasibility of increased use of artificial turf in new playing fields; and
2. identifies suitable new artificial turf locations.
Report
Background Information

Artificial turf has gained more widespread use in recent years due to the positive reviews of the new
“infill” system. These fields replace the older carpet style artificial turf and allow for playing conditions that closely resemble natural grass while providing the benefits associated with artificial turf.
 Benefits of the new “infill” fields include lower injury rates due to better cushioning, increased playability during inclement weather, extension of the playing season, and greater overall field use capacity.

Recent trends indicate increased development of multi-field sites utilizing a single piece of “infill” as opposed to multiple individual fields.
Recently developed sites using this model include Spruce Grove,
Saskatoon and Richmond. The multi-field designs are geared more towards recreational sport and community activity use.

The trend towards multi-field design is in part a result of increased efficiencies in areas such as lighting, grading and drainage, turf material, support amenities, and staffing.
From an operational standpoint, one single large piece of artificial turf allows for more program flexibility and opportunities to host larger events.

Many other municipalities are developing artificial turf fields as part of their capital plans. For example, there are approximately 35 artificial turf fields now located in the lower mainland of British Columbia which include both single field and multifield designs.
 Three single “infill” artificial turf fields have been developed in Edmonton since 2005. Clarke Park was converted from grass in 2005, the
University of Alberta replaced its carpet artificial turf with an “infill” system in 2006 and the Edmonton
Soccer Association partnered with the City of Edmonton to develop an artificial turf field at Henry Singer
Park in 2007.
E
3
ROUTING – Community Services Committee | DELEGATION – R. Smyth/B. Badger/L. Brenneis
WRITTEN BY – B. Badger | October 21, 2008 – Community Services Department 2008CSR019
Page 1 of 4

Artificial Turf in New Playing Fields

A comparison of Clarke Park, as a natural grass field in 2004 to 2006, to its current state as an artificial turf field shows that the number of hours of use increased by 191%, the revenue increased by 166%, while the expenses decreased by 24%.
The cost per hour of use went from
$292/hr. in 2004 to $77/hr. in 2006.

In 2007 and 2008 (to date), Clarke
Park has continued to demonstrate increased hours of use (see
Attachment 1).
Natural Grass / Artificial Turf
Comparison (see Attachment 2)
The comparative analysis of construction and maintenance costs in
Attachment 2 is based upon six Premier
Class C sports fields
– versus the costs associated with 1 artificial turf field. The information is illustrated this way because three of the four proposed artificial turf sites being recommended would replace Premier Class C fields.
Capital Costs / Land Requirements

Artificial turf fields require a larger initial investment compared to a natural grass field. The lifespan of an artificial turf field is projected to be 12 years while a premier natural grass field is re-sodded or patched on an as needed basis.

Considering an artificial turf field can accommodate approximately six times more usage yearly than a natural grass field, they are well suited for under-sized district park sites.

The development of artificial turf fields could be advantageous in optimizing use of the parcel and/or freeing up space for other potential development or parkland amenities.
Operating Costs / Surface Usage

One of the main benefits of artificial turf fields is the increased usage compared to that of a natural grass field. An artificial turf field does not require the rest time that a natural grass field requires and is not impacted by inclement weather the same way as a natural grass field.
The result is that the industry average for an artificial turf field is the ability to accommodate about six times the usage of a natural grass field.

Artificial turf field development has resulted in increases in the number of hours of use, user groups, and revenue, while expenses are similar or often lower than the natural grass staffed fields.
Environmental Analysis

There are environmental benefits to both natural grass and artificial turf.

Natural grass produces oxygen and consumes carbon dioxide, prevents runoff by absorbing and filtering rainwater and is much cooler than artificial turf.

Artificial turf fields require less water consumption (water use is primarily to keep it cool in hot weather) and no fertilizers are needed.
Recent Environmental Questions

There have been some recent environmental / health questions that have surfaced around possible contamination resulting from the breakdown of the original style “infill” fields made of nylon or nylon / polyethylene blend fibers.

Many artificial turf suppliers now use only polyethylene in their fibers which has proven safer for use. The
Page 2 of 4

Artificial Turf in New Playing Fields
Synthetic Turf Council is currently working with suppliers to continue to improve on the industry health and environmental standards.

Administration is currently working with Capital Health regarding current and planned artificial turf fields and will continue to do so as the Artificial
Turf Plan moves forward.
Recommended Site Locations for
Artificial Turf

With two single fields in the core of the city and one in the northwest the
Plan calls for an additional single field design in the west and multifield designs in the southeast, northeast and southwest.

This plan would increase the inventory of artificial turf fields from three to up to 12 including the indoor field planned for the North Central
Community Recreation Centre.

The recommended locations and timelines are: (Attachment 3)
2009 – Jasper Place Bowl
2010 – Mill Woods District Park
2011
– Clareview District Park
2013
– Leger District Park
2015 – Multi-Sport Tournament and
Recreation Site

When considering future district park sites (The Grange, Lewis Farms,
The Meadows, etc.) single and multifield artificial turf sites will be considered to better meet the program requirements of these parks.
Focus Area
Vibrant Communities - encourage recreational, cultural, artistic and entertainment opportunities for all residents.
Public Consultation

Consultation with the Joint Use
Sports Field Working Sub-
Committee and the rectangular and diamond user group committees was undertaken to determine the site recommendations for new artificial turf fields.

Key criteria identified in this process included geographic representation across the city, connection to schools for optimal usage, access to existing or proposed recreation facilities on site, staffing on site or planned for the site, and a balance of multi-field and single field designs.

The consultation process with the diamond user groups indicated a low priority for diamond artificial turf fields beyond Telus Field.

Further site specific consultation will occur with the local community, local sport organizations and city wide sport organizations to gather feedback on the proposed field design, site amenities, and field location within each site.
Budget/Financial Implications
The projected costs to complete this plan are estimated at $30 million. This would include support amenities such as lighting, fencing, bleachers and parking.
Projects will be brought forward and considered for funding as part of the capital budget process and will include partnership contributions.
Attachments
1. Clarke Park Yearly Comparison
2. Natural Grass
– Artificial Turf
Comparison
3. 2009 – 2015 Artificial Turf Plan Map
Page 3 of 4

Artificial Turf in New Playing Fields
Background Information Available on
Request from the Department
1. Artificial Turf Public Involvement
Plan
Others Reviewing this Report

J. Tustian, Deputy City Manager,
Office of the City Manager

L. Rosen, General Manager, Asset
Management and Public Works
Department

C. Warnock, Chief Financial Officer
Page 4 of 4

Attachment 1
Clarke Park Yearly Comparison
2007 Artificial
Turf
2004 Natural
Grass
Hours Used
Groups
Expenses
Revenue
Net Expense
Cost per Hour
Cost Recovery
1,366
46
$110,241
$57,334
$52,907
$81
52%
432
7
$126,177
$21,766
$104,411
$292
17%
Variance
934
39
($15,936)
$35,568
($51,504)
($211)
35%
Increase /
Decrease (in
%)
216%
557%
(13%)
163%
(49%)
(72%)
Page 1 of 1 Report: 2008CSR019 Attachment 1

Attachment 2
Natural Grass / Artificial Turf Comparison
Costs
Capital Cost of Field (excludes land)
Operating Cost Per Field
Projected Turf Replacement / Repair
Class C Natural Turf Premier Fields
Initial
Purchase
$250,000
Prorated over 12 yrs. Per year
$20,833 $20,833
13,800
3,000
Total Prorated Costs
Total Prorated Costs excluding Capital
Operating Revenues projected at
(50% each Adult-Minor use-excludes G.S.T.)
Class C Premier Facility Fees
Adult Play $8.00/hr; Minor Play $4.00/hr
Premier Artificial Turf / Class B Facility Fees
Adult Play $34.00/Hr; Minor Play $17.00/hr
Projected Tax Levy Support Requirement -
Projected Costs (including Capital) less Revenues
Tax Levy including Capital Cost
Tax Levy not including Capital Cost
Relative to Natural Turf Over 12 Yrs--->
Relative to Natural Turf Over 12 Yrs--->
Including capital costs
Not including capital costs
$37,633
$16,800
Approx 250 hrs/year
(exc GST)
$1,402
Six Fields
Equivalent
Initial
Purchase
$125,000 $2,500,000
82,800
18,000
$225,800
$100,800
Six Fields
Equivalent
$8,411
Per Year
$217,839
$92,389
Artificial Turf Costs
Prorated over 12 yrs. Per year
$208,333 $208,333
5,000 (1)
62,500 62,500 (2)
$275,833
$67,500
1,500 hrs/year
(exc GST)
$35,748
Per Year
$240,085
$31,752 are more expensive by: $22,696 is less expensive by : $60,637
Environmental Analysis (comparing six natural grass to one artificial turf)
Water Usage
Water Costs (included in above expenses)
Fertilizer Usage
Fertilizer Costs (included in above expenses)
5100 m³
$7,800
3150 kg
$3,528
30m³
$50
-
-
Notes:
(1) - The annual artificial turf maintenance costs include staff costs to groom and clean field as well as minimal water costs for cooling the field.
(2) - This reflects the City's estimate to replace the Artificial Turf at the end of a projected 12 year life cycle based on a $750,000 replacement cost.
Page 1 of 1 Report: 2008CSR019 Attachment 2