Synthetic Turf Fields. Recreation Committee Presentation April 2016

Transcription

1 Synthetic Turf Fields Recreation Committee Presentation April 2016

2 Overview This report provides findings from recent research conducted by MPRD and MPPS on the following: Use of synthetic fields by recreation departments in South Carolina Potential synthetic field locations in Mount Pleasant Cost estimates Pros / Cons of synthetic turf Alternative Options

3 Background Significant rain activity through 2014 and 2015 resulted in a high number of rained out athletic events Cambridge drainage was installed on 5 fields during the summer of 2015 The new system dramatically improved drainage on most fields however improvements were less significant on Park West Football Field due primarily to soil conditions Synthetic turf was suggested as a way to reduce the number of rainouts in the department

4 Rainout Comparison Fall 2014 vs Fall (w/o Cambridge system) Rainouts CWF Field #2 18 CWF Field #3 20 CWF Field #4 18 PW Baseball 10 PW Football (with Cambridge system) Rainouts* CWF Field #2 13 CWF Field #3 13 CWF Field #4 13 PW Baseball 13 PW Football 15 *Eight of these days were complete washouts in which no MPRD fields were in use

5 Use of Synthetic Turf by Recreation Departments in South Carolina A survey of other departments across the state was conducted with the following results: Synthetic turf fields are used at Manchester Meadows in Rock Hill and at the Grand Park complex in Myrtle Beach Both of these facilities are designed primarily as tournament complexes with limited recreational use Of the 27 departments contacted there were no other departments with synthetic turf fields or considering synthetic fields

6 Potential Synthetic Field Locations Existing Rectangular Fields Park West Track Field (91,500 sqft) Park West Football Field (97,540 sqft) Carolina Park Field #1 Future Fields Carolina Park baseball field (125,000 sqft) Carolina Park rectangular field Rifle Range Road Park fields

7 Synthetic Field Cost Estimates Cost estimates provided by Carolina Green Athletic Field Construction include: Erosion control measures Excavation of soil Subsurface drainage Dynamic stone base Synthetic turf (8 year warranty) Football markings 1 Sweep Master Turf Brush

8 Synthetic Turf Cost Estimates Rectangular Fields - $850,000* Diamonds - $1,100,000* Diamonds (infield only) - $269,500* *Price does not include: $50K-$100K for design, engineering and storm water implementation $8K-$12K per sport for additional markings Perimeter Security Fencing Performance and payment bonds Builders Risk insurance Utility removal, replacement, or adjustments Local permitting fees

9 Replacement Cost Estimates Current replacement costs following the 8-year warranty period range between $ $5.50/sqft Rectangular fields: $450K - $500K Diamonds: $625K - $685K Diamonds (infield only): $100K - $115K

10 Maintenance Cost Comparison Natural Turf vs Synthetic Turf Annual Natural Turf Maintenance Costs Labor $20,000 Material $ 7,700 Annualized Equipment $ 3,000 Total $30,700 Annual Synthetic Turf Maintenance Costs Labor $ 4,000 Repairs & Materials $ 2,000 Annualized Equipment (est.) $ 5,000 G-Max testing $ 3,500 Total $ 14,500

11 Pros of Synthetic Turf Improved drainage Reduces the number of rainouts Durability for continuous use Field can be played on continuously over the course of a weekend tournament without negative impact Consistent field conditions Eliminates wear on field in high use areas Reduced maintenance cost - $16,500 annual savings

12 Cons to Synthetic Turf Initial Cost - $850K to $1 million+ per field Replacement Cost $450K-$500K per field every 8 years* Single field serves a small fraction of program participants Access to field must be controlled and rules must be enforced no gum, no drinks, no snacks, no portable chairs, no high heels, etc. Reduces the flexibility of use of the field for other sports, or other special events Higher surface temperature Concerns about exposure to carcinogenic components * (May vary depending on control of usage and exposure to elements)

13 Alternative Options Expand use of Cambridge drainage Under $75K/field For fields needing additional drainage improvements, perform sand slit injection providing ¾ wide trenches 4-8 deep on 10 centers - $20,000