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Turf field debate: Decision makers and residents should be armed with information There are many health, environmental and fiscal issues a community should consider when looking to install an artificial turf field, and it is important for the dedcision-makers to be aware of them, according to Turfgrass Producers International of East Dundee Illinois. As the voters in the Babylon School District head to the polls on Tuesday, November 14 to approve funding for, among other improvements, the installation of a turf field at the high school, that information needs to be explored and understood. In a world where we all want the best for our children, and where professional or even highschool level coaches want the best for their athletes, we search for solutions that on the surface may seem the perfect answer, the association's website noted. However, "if it seems too good to be true, it probably is...and some claims made by some artificial turf companies may all be within the legal definition of fraud, while other claims may be deceptive over statements, misstatements or misunderstandings," an association spokesman points out. In any case, it's buyer beware noted Brad Fresenburg, of the Department of Horticulture at the University of Missouri, which conducted a study of turf fields. "Many schools or communities may only look at the maintenance chores of natural grass when deciding to switch to artificial turf," he said. "They should look beyond that, and need to look at all the differences between the two surfaces." What Fresenburg and other experts ask that communities consider first is the validity of some of the claims being made by the companies that sell these artificial turf materials as they relate to life expectancy, maintenance and safety. Claims made by the companies should be analyzed and challenged, he said. For example, what many communities do not consider is that turfgrass holds more heat then natural grass, increasing the temperature on the playing field. In an experiment, Fresenburg took the temperature at head-level height over faux turf, comparing to a natural turf and found that it was 10 to 15 degrees hotter. "The problem is that rubber and plastic materials amplify sunlight and cause near unbearable temperatures at certain times of the day. If communities are going to have artificial fields, they need coaches, parents and players who know that temperatures on these fields are going to be higher," said Fresenburg. That may be more a regional issue that does not have a major impact on the Northeast. According to Michael Mostow, superintendent of Schools at the Patchogue-Medford School District which had had an artificial turf field at its high school for more than five years, there have been no reports of heat issues with the field since it was installed. "Our experience with the field have been very positive," said Mostow. "And we hold our graduation ceremonies right on the field and heat has never been an issue." "The architect and contractor have worked closely with us discussing many of these issues," said Ellen Best-Laimit, superintendent of the Babylon School District. "And we have been very open with the public about them." Decision makers should also determine what materials the turf is made from. Some suppliers use ground tire rubber, which contains toxins, so it is important to know exactly what materials are used, and what the health effects are, if any, on athletes and spectators who are regularly exposed to the material. There are other health issues that should be studied. While in Babylon, the deteriorated conditions of the current natural grass fields have raised safety concerns, artificial turf has some safety drawbacks as well. The surface is more abrasive, and in some instances more resistant, which could also lead to injuries. But while the surface may be different, studies show that there is no difference in the number of reported injuries on either field. "Athletes tend to suffer injuries at roughly the same frequency on natural and synthetic turfs, but different surfaces result in different types of injuries," pointed out Fresenburg. "There is more torque, more velocity and more traction on artificial turf," pointed out Michael Meyers, a professor at West Texas A&M University, who has tracked playing field injuries at Texas high schools for more than 5 years. Mostow said the experience showed no "serious string of accidents" following installation of the turf. But Meyers also notes that the new generation of synthetic turfs is far superior to the previous types like the former industry standard, Astroturf, which was nothing more than a carpet and carpet pad laid over concrete. Now fields are built over more pliable surfaces that mimic natural grass and soil playing conditions, he said. Finally, there is the question of cost and maintenance. While most people think that synthetic fields are maintenance free, and therefore, cheaper to maintain, the experts point out that the job of mowing and seeding is replaced by the need to use antiseptic cleaners to sanitize the field regularly to avoid the build up of bacteria from bodily fluids, and bird or animal droppings. Communities need to recognize this and determine whether use of these sanitizers will have an impact on the field's product warranty, lessen the projected life expectancy of the field or add to the school district's budget costs to ensure a reasonably sanitary playing surface. Patchogue-Medford routinely sanitizes its field and BabylonSchool officials said that they understand and have advised the public that there is no cost savings from installing artificial turf. "We have been clear with the public that this is not going to save the district money," said Peter Daly, superintendent of finance in Babylon. "While the work that has to be done may be different, it won't cost less." What it will do is enable the district to have greater use of the field. With drainage system part of the project, the field is ready for use within a half hour of a heavy rainfall, a benefit natural grass can't provide. The district is asking voters to approve a $9.35 million infrastructure and health and safety capital construction project, as well as a separate proposition for $1.9 for athletic facilities, including the turf field. The tax rate in the district is currently set as $154.40 per $100 of assessed valuation, as noted on the current Town of Babylon 2005-2006 tax bill. That means that a home assessed at $4,265 (the average assessment in the Village) pays $6,585.16 a year in taxes to Babylon Village Schools. The Health and Facility Bond proposal, if approved, is expected to increase the tax rate another $2.47, to $156.87. That would add an additional $105.35 a year to homeowners living in a home assessed at $4,265. The Athletic Facilities Bond, if approved, is expected to increase the current tax rate 50-cents. That would increase taxes on a home assessed $4,265 an additional $21 a year. If both bonds are approved, the tax rate would increase a total of $2.97, increasing the annual tax bill in the school district on a the average assessed home at $4,265 by $126.67. Best-Laimet said that one of the issues Babylon also had to consider was that the cost of installation for the district is higher because the field is in a wetlands area and has to be resurfaced before the drainage and turf is installed. "I feel confident that all of the issues are being addressed, especially in light of the construction manager and the architect who have been in close contact with other districts on Long Island," she said. Most of the experts make no determination as to whether artificial turf or a natural playing field is better. What they do recommend, however, is that communities considering building a turf field become informed and educated about the decision. Anyone interested in more tips on turfgrass safety can contact Fresenburg at 573-442-4893.
Residents who have questions about the bond vote can call the school district at 631-893-7925.
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