Score! New Fields Mean Safer Games, More Playing Time

High school sports fields have come a long way since the days of fumbling a football while sliding around on muddy ground. Newly designed athletic fields provide a safer surface and increase playing time for athletes.

The new designs, featuring synthetic turf and improved drainage, provide an even playing surface so athletes can avoid injuries caused by the ruts and bumps of a grass field.

Synthetic fields also eliminate problems that commonly occur on grass fields. With grass surfaces, overuse of the field damages the grass and soil and hampers drainage.

The subbase design and complex drainage systems at the new fields are key. This improved technology prevents water from pooling on the playing surface – meaning no mud, zero damage and more playing time for teams. Anxious athletes no longer have to wait for the grass to grow before hitting the field, and maintenance is easier too – there’s no fertilization or mowing required.

At Chagrin Falls High School in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, students took to the turf at the new Harris Field in fall 2005. Burgess & Niple designed the field that is used for football, soccer and lacrosse. Design features include a custom synthetic turf surface and complex infield drainage system which have allowed the school district to increase field events from 50 per year to more than 544 before the new field’s first anniversary.

Superintendent Dr. David Axner is pleased with the results. “The artificial grass field designed by Burgess & Niple for the Chagrin Falls School District has already surpassed all of our expectations. The planning, installation, and timeliness of the completion of the field under their direction was nearly flawless.”

SCORECARD
B&N designed the following multi-use or single-use fields:

• Krenzler Soccer Field at Cleveland State University
• Harris Field at Chagrin Falls High School
• Kirsch Field at Brunswick High School
• Korb Field at Brush High School
• Alumni Stadium at Perry Public Schools
• Stewart Field at Solon High School
• Jerome T. Osborne Sr. Stadium at Mentor High School (under construction)

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