COLUMN: SYNTHETIC TURF
Artificial Turf: Maintenance is Essential By Arthur Eddy, ASLA, LEED AP
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rtificial turf, also known as synthetic turf, has been used widely in arenas and stadium for sports. It was first installed at Moses Brown High School in Providence, Rhode Island in 1964 and became famous in 1966 with the first major sport arena at the Houston Astrodome. In most recent times, the lack of land and the increase in athletic sports such as lacrosse has strained the maintenance, safety and performance of engineered grass fields. High schools and colleges have invested in the installation of synthetic turf fields. Other reasons for its widespread use in athletic fields include the hours of use that the surface can withstand along with performance and safety. A misconception of these synthetic turf fields is that they are maintenance free. Testing has shown that shifts in infill levels can have a dramatic effect on performance of a field. Additionally, to ensure the durability and usage of artificial turf in athletic fields are at optimum, regular maintenance is required. Failure to adequately maintain artificial turf surfaces results in deterioration and serious safety concerns which opens a facility up to potential liability claims.
Continue to page 18 for easy maintenance tips to ensure durable and long-lasting usage for synthetic turf fields:
18 • New England BLADE • Winter 2023
