Synthetic Turf Baseball Fields

Synthetic Turf Baseball Fields
THE PROS, CONS, AND MAINTENANCE
OF NEXT GENERATION ARTIFICIAL
Frank Myers Field at Tointon Stadium
Brandeberry Indoor Practice Facility
K-State Athletics
 1961-Established
1999-2004-Field Renovation/Stadium Construction
K-State Athletics
Turf Maintenance
 Maintenance Schedule

Aeration


Spraying/Fertilization


Watered during the early evening, with multiple light watering during
the summer days
Mowing


Fertilized once in spring, once in fall, and other times throughout
Watering


Late June, after season; Late November, after fall ball
1’’ infield, 1 1/4’’ outfield
Day to Day Maintenance

Performed mostly by students

No sports-turf students involved until spring before changeover
Contracted Services
Major work performed by Kansas City
based contractor
Aeration, Spraying, Top-dressing, Overseeding
Skin
Problems
 Powdery skin
 Large lips around infield
 Shallow root zone (1/2’’ to 1 ½’’)requiring lots of
water
 Thinning grass and diminishing drainage
 Chunking out on mound and plate
•Summer 2006 -FieldTurf playing surface installed
Reasons Given for
Installation
•Increased Practice Time and Focus on Performance
•Reduced Rainouts
•Reduced Maintenance Costs
•Consistent Play- Reduction in unforced errors
Types Available
•T O T A L F I E L D
•
University of Texas, Louisville, Washington State, Wichita State
•I N F I E L D W I T H T U R F A N D C U T O U T S
•
New Mexico, Navy, PGE Park
•I N F I E L D W I T H T U R F
•
Kansas State, Oregon State
•F U L L C L A Y I N F I E L D W I T H T U R F
•
Tropicana Field, University of Cincinnati
Total Field
FieldTurf
Total Field
JayCee Park, Pittsburg, KS
Turf Home Plate
Brandeberry Cage
Lobo Field- Albuquerque, New Mexico
Infield with Cutouts
Home Plate Cutout
Pitcher’s Mound
Turf Field with Cutouts
Turf Infield Hybrid
Full Clay Infield
U. Cincinnati
Maintenance
•G R O O M I N G
•S W E E P I N G
•T O P D R E S S I N G
•W A S H I N G
•E D G I N G
•S N O W R E M O V A L
•T U R F R E P A I R
•T A R P S
•P A I N T I N G
Maintenance
 Grooming
Grooming
Before Topdressing
After
Maintenance Sweeping
Preventative Maintenance
Washing
Edging
Maintenance
Photo of Edged field
Maintenance
Snow
Removal
Tarps
Tarps/Sandbags
Turf Repair
Marking
Personal Tip
 Provide a buffer area around the field with concrete
or some other solid surface
Pros
Cons
Kansas State Baseball Fielding %2003-2010
0.98
0.975
0.97
0.965
0.96
Synthetic Infield InstalledSummer 2006
0.955
0.95
0.945
0.94
0.935
0.93
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Oregon State Baseball Fielding %2000-2010
2010
0.98
0.975
0.97
0.965
0.96
Synthetic Infield InstalledMar. 2007
0.955
0.95
0.945
0.94
Issues
0.935
0.93
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Proposed Overall Cost Over A Ten Year Period-
Proposed
Base Preparation
Materials
Maintenance
Total
FieldTurf
Natural Grass
Synthetic Turf
$320,000
$320,000
$2.75 per sq ft
= $220,000
$5.00 per sq ft
= $400,000
$52,000 x 10 yrs
= $520,000
$5,000 x 10 yrs
= $50,000
$1,065,000
$770,000
Cost
Proposed Yearly Budget of Ten Year Proposal
Natural Grass
FieldTurf
Mowing Equipment
Labor ($20/hour)
$7,068
$6,000
$1,000
Clipping Removal
$2,861
-
Fertilization
$4,856
-
Overseeding
$466
-
Coring
$2,848
-
Topdressing
$9,565
-
Thatch Removal
$185
-
Monitor Irrigation
$846
-
Equipment Depreciation
and Fuel
$3,500
$1,500
Water
$5,400
-
Field Re-Striping:
Labor
Material
$5,800
$3,105
$2,500
$52,500
$5,000
Total
Actual Yearly Budget (Estimation)
Natural Grass
Half Field
Full Field
Mowing/Grooming
Eqpt. Labor ($20/hour)
$7,068
$6,000
$5000
$5000
$5000
$5000
Fertilization
$4,856
$3000
$0
Overseeding
$466
$200
$0
Aeration
$2,848
$1,500
Topdressing/Clay
$9,565
$9,000
Thatch Removal
$185
$150
Equipment
Depreciation and Fuel
$3,500
Water
$5,400
$1500
$$3,000
$3,000
Field Re-Striping:
Labor
Material
$1500
$1000
$500
$500
250
Total
$41,388
$30,600
$13,000
Actual Overall Cost for Ten Year Proposal
In Reality
Natural Grass ($8)
90,000ft2
$720,000
(full field)
Installation
Synthetic Turf
($11)
Full -90,000ft2
Renovation-40,000ft2
$440,000
(Infield-Renovation)
$990,000
(full field)
$41,388
$ 30,600
(Infield-renovation)
Maintenance/yr
$13,000
(full field)
$1,133,880
$746,000
(Infield-renovation)
Total (x10 yrs)
$1,120,000
(full field)
Total(x20yrs)
-Includes one replacement
for synthetic fields
$1,547,760
$1,492,000
(Infield-renovation)
$2,110,000
(full field)
Lake Shawnee
Parks and Rec./High School
College
Farmington to Albuquerque:
3 hours 31 minutes
184 miles
April 11 vs. Oklahoma RedHawks
April 12 vs. Oklahoma RedHawks
April 13 vs. Oklahoma RedHawks
April 14 vs. Oklahoma RedHawks
7:05 PM
7:05 PM
1:35 PM
12:05 PM
Independent
LeaguesLeagues
Independent
BallparkDigest.com
BallparkDigest.com
Minor League
Minor League
Major League
 Tropicana Field and Rogers Centre
 Tropicana is considered the worst playing surface
due to inconsistent rolls and hops
 Trends are moving away from any type of artificial
field and domed stadium
 Fans demand a proper experience for their money,
this includes green grass and dirt
Conclusions
1.
Larger organizations are currently moving away from synthetic and artificial
2.
College organizations and wealthier High Schools will continue to grow
3.
Synthetic fields can be just as good as natural fields, if properly maintained
4.
Always check with older facilities before choosing type or company
5.
Targeted excessive wear is to be expected and must be dealt with
6.
Life Span 8-11 years maximum