On Monday night members of the Carroll Stadium Committee met with Midwest Field Turf representative Corey Curnyn to learn more about synthetic grass systems being considered for the Carroll football field. Curnyn says the main usage of a field and its costs are two of the most important factors clients consider when purchasing synthetic turf; especially when comparing maintenance costs against those of a natural grass field.
Costs for upkeep are currently around $60,000 per year including water, fertilizer, labor, field paint, and other maintenance. An artificial field, Curnyn states, would be about $5,000 a year. He then explained how field installation costs are calculated.
Fly ash fill is not included in the estimate, but a few years ago a new press box and bleachers were erected at the nearby softball stadium and fly ash was required, so it’s a good guess additional costs will be incurred at the football stadium. The provided estimate includes installation of drainage pipes, large synthetic grass matt pieces which would be sewn together, and an underlying layer of 3.5lbs of rubber and 4lbs of sand per square foot. Exact measurements for new turf at the stadium were also unknown as the field’s layout poses another complication with a 40 x 80 high jump positioned within the track.
The life estimate for a synthetic grass field is estimated at 10 to 12 years, Curnyn says, and the company offers an 8 year warranty on their product. During the meeting the Stadium Committee also heard about injury studies, possible health risks, and installation procedures and we’ll bring you more on those topics in upcoming broadcasts. Following the presentation Curnyn highly recommended to the committee that a soil test be performed before moving forward as many members offered strong indications that they would recommend the Carroll School Board use a synthetic grass system, however, no official vote was taken prior to adjournment of the meeting.
