In the outdoor sports realm, a natural grass surface has been the first choice for athletes, spectators, and athletic departments for generations. And though its exact texture has not yet been perfectly imitated and its aroma when freshly cut cannot be fully duplicated, facility managers realize the high maintenance costs, limited availability, and inconsistent performance that come with natural grass fields. The demand for field time is growing, and a natural grass surface cannot always hold up under the strain, which is why high schools and universities with multiple sports teams and groups contending for precious field time find value in a synthetic surface. The full-time accessibility and consistency of synthetic turf in almost all weather conditions make it a good option when demand is high and space is limited.

1. Synthetic Turf Fields Maximize your field use, minimize the mud and maintenance
Concepts
Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc.
Summer 2014
onceptsC
In the outdoor sports realm, a natural grass surface has been the first choice for athletes, spectators, and athletic departments for generations.
And though its exact texture has not yet been perfectly imitated and its aroma when freshly cut cannot be fully duplicated, facility managers
realize the high maintenance costs, limited availability, and inconsistent performance that come with natural grass fields.
The demand for field time is growing, and a natural grass surface cannot always hold up under the strain, which is why high schools and
universities with multiple sports teams and groups contending for precious field time find value in a synthetic surface. The full-time accessibility
and consistency of synthetic turf in almost all weather conditions make it a good option when demand is high and space is limited.
What is Synthetic Turf?
Technically speaking, synthetic
turf is an artificial ground or
floor cover made up of synthetic
fibers (grass) and infill (sand and
rubber mixture), which is laid
over a well-draining aggregate
layer that mimics natural grass.
First used in the 1960s, synthetic
turf technology has advanced
greatly since the early, carpet-like
products. What started as a short
blade system has evolved into a
market that includes many hybrid
infill systems. These turfs consist
of cushioning layers and lateral
drainage systems that mimic
well-groomed natural grass fields.
Synthetic turf continues to develop
and is winning new converts
at all levels, from the athletes
who compete on it to the facility
managers responsible for it.
Reliable Choice
The most prominent synthetic turf users are schools,
universities, and professional sports teams. This is likely
due to its reliability. Unlike natural grass surfaces that
need time to dry after rain events, synthetic fields can
be played upon immediately without concern about
damage or rutting. Grand Valley State University’s
Athletic Director, Tim Selgo, notes, “Having synthetic
fields, we do not have to cancel or adjust practices…
being able to practice no matter how much rain we
have received is important.”
A good synthetic grass field provides a consistent
playing surface that contributes to fewer injuries
(caused by uneven or patchy ground) and always looks
great. These fields, requiring little upkeep and no water,
greatly minimize ongoing maintenance costs, since
no fertilizing, reseeding, or mowing is necessary. In
addition, the time spent lining a field with paint can
be eliminated when the lines are inlaid directly on the
synthetic turf. Field lines for multiple sports can be
added to the same field using different colors, greatly
increasing its usefulness.
“Our turf field complex is impressive
and instills a sense of pride
in students who use the fields.”
Bob Stoll
GVSU Associate Dean of Student Life

2. www.ftch.com/concepts
Beneath the Surface
Though natural grass is obviously the greenest
of turf choices, those who select a synthetic
turf field have some options to reduce any
potential negative environmental effects.
For example, certain synthetic turf backing is
made of recycled plastic bottles, which helps
reduce landfill waste. Since synthetic turf
does not require fertilizer or water, it will not
contribute to the pollution of our waterways
due to contaminated stormwater runoff. And
because the grass never needs to be mowed,
there is no concern over the potential for
harmful lawnmower emissions.
The benefits of synthetic turf go beyond its
attractive surface. Synthetic turf can help
to overcome limitations of natural grass by
providing full-time access, rain or shine;
reliable performance with a consistent playing
surface; and lower operational costs. For more on synthetic turf field design,
please contact Ryan Musch, PE, LEED AP BD+C,
rdmusch@ftch.com.
#FTCHFresh
Elements of Synthetic Turf Field Design
Working from the bottom up, we can analyze
your site to optimize the field design.
1. Know your soils!
• The soil subbase must be compacted
and stable to support the turf and base.
• How well do your existing soils drain?
• Do you have high groundwater?
• Soil type dictates the field’s drainage and
storm sewer system design.
2. Field Base
• A combination of well-draining aggregate
and cross-field drains quickly transports
water off the playing surface.
• With the right field base thickness and
aggregate selection, fields can hold five
inches of rain before standing water
develops on the surface.
3. Synthetic Turf
• Know which turf elements are important
based on your field’s intended use. Turf can be customized to different applications and
specific sports.
• Fiber type, length, and density must be selected.
• Infill thickness and consistency can vary. Current turf generations are using hybrid infill.
• Options are endless – field colors and striping, team logos, and end zone lettering can be
customized to your exact needs.
• Additional padding layers can be added for more cushion.
Collector Drain Install
Stone Base and Drainage
Cross-Field Drain
Roll of Synthetic Turf
Turf Installation
Completed Turf
Photos used with permission:
Outdoor Recreation and Athletic Fields and the Arend D. Lubbers Stadium
located on Grand Valley State University’s Allendale Campus