The Worth of the Turf

The Worth of the Turf

            Excitement and anticipation are sweeping through Wilmington High School with the news of a new school under construction. In addition to the enhanced building for academics, athletics have been equally improved with the installation of a turf football, soccer, and field hockey field. Considered to be a costly endeavor in the opinions of some residents, the decision to put in a turf field over a natural grass field is in question. A turf field can cost over $600,000 to install, a staggering price in the eyes of many people. The purchases’ worth and practicality are proven in the durability and safety, availability, and attractiveness of the turf for the players, school, and town.

            A large factor playing into the fears of residents is the price of the turf field, but the high quality, durable field will prove to be worth the starting price. The belief that the turf costs more is true for the base price, as installation and rubber being put into it increases the original cost. As time goes by, less maintenance will required in the general upkeep of the field, however. Fertilizing and mowing is necessary to keep a natural grass field in good condition to play on. The turf doesn't need to be grown or trimmed, nor does it become muddy or worn-out in rain.  Another huge positive in the turf field is the prevention of injuries. Compared to grass fields in a three-year study conducted in college football, there were 74% less muscle tear injuries, 12% less concussions, and 7% less total injuries. The American Journal of Sports Medicine stated: "...the findings showed significant differences in injury incidence, severity of injury, injury time loss, injury situation, grade of injury, injuries under various field conditions, and temperature between playing surfaces... FieldTurf markedly the safer playing surface." Also, a study by the NCAA Injury Surveillance System showed that 15.5% of injuries on grass were caused by player-to-surface, while on turf only 11.2% were. Any measure, whether big or small, should be taken to prevent the injury of an athlete.

             Practice is a huge part of the success teams have out on the field and turf allows athletes to get even more crucial training. Grass fields become almost unusable on rainy and snowy days, as the water and snow leave the field muddy, slippery, and hazardous. Turf does not lose its usability when moist; it actually quickens the pace that the game is played at and heightens the intensity. On snowy days, turf holds in heat and the only factor that would prevent a game from being played is if there is no one willing to shovel it off. Field Turf, an athletic turf company, conducted a study that proved that turf is playable for 2,992 hours per year, while natural grass is only usable for 1,000 hours per year. Turf can be used in almost any condition and season in a year, providing plentiful opportunities for Wilmington teams to strut their skills in front of home crowds. 

            The home crowds are immensely important for the support they bring to the players, fundraising, and volunteering. The news of the field sent a wave of exhilaration through not only the athletes, but the students and residents of Wilmington. Not only does it supply a better playing surface, but it brings a greater amount of fans to games, each with a greater sense of pride in their new field. More fans means more business for the snack shack, the profits most often going towards Wilmington sports teams and charity organizations offering merchandise. Overall, the town is increasing its attendance at games, revving up the fans, and increasing funds being raised for good causes. 

       There were plenty of questions from Wilmington residents over the price and the necessity of buying an expensive turf field rather than going with a natural grass field for the new high school. The field is most definitely a smart purchase, clearly justified by several factors. The turf is long-lasting and safer for players, requiring little maintenance and cutting back on injuries. In most weather during every season, the field is ready to be used, offering many more hours of playtime than grass fields. The excitement and energy is has brought to the school and town will transcend to games, with more support for teams and more profit for charity organizations and fundraisers. The turf field is sure to pay for itself as time goes by. 

"FieldTurf and Artificial Grass - Price vs. Cost." FieldTurf: FieldTurf Artificial Grass - Price vs. Cost. Tarkett Sports Company, n.d. Web. 29 Oct. 2013. <http://www.fieldturf.com>.

Susan. "A Muddy Soccer Field, an Ark and Parenting." The Confident Mom. N.p., 19 Oct. 2009. Web. 29 Oct. 2013. <http://www.theconfidentmom.com>.

Lannan, Katie. "Challenge to New Wilmington Field Denied as Turf Opens for Football."Lowell Sun Online. N.p., 13 Sept. 2013. Web. 29 Oct. 2013. <http://www.lowellsun.com>.