The Payson, Arizona, school district has recently approved a plan to invest in a new turf field for use by football, soccer, and other sports.
Previously, the district had used a grass field instead, which created issues in Arizona’s dry climate. For months out of the year, the field was unplayable as the grass regrew. And once the season started, it needed frequent watering. The district superintendent told the Payson Roundup that, despite all this maintenance, the grass struggled to handle multiple sports and events throughout the week.
The new turf will eliminate all that water usage and provide an athletic surface that can endure throughout the year — serving as an event or activity space in addition to games and practices.
Long term, the field is projected to last 12 years. Equipped with a consistent surface, the district will be able to accommodate quality play much more often, without worrying about dangerous dirt piles or puddles after rain.
Find more details at the Payson Roundup.
Recycled Rubber News
Casey's helps local park get turf improvement (News-Herald): Lenoir City Central Park in Tennessee is getting upgrades to the turf in the playground area of the park.
With all the foot traffic coming through, the city views the turf as a means of attracting new visitors while accommodating the various activities that take place at the playground. “It’s kids that, their imaginations run wild,” Parks and Rec Director Zach Cusick said. “And they use [the park] in every aspect that they can.”
Allegheny Valley gets new artificial turf as athletic field construction nears finish (Trib Live): The Allegheny Valley school district in western Pennsylvania, home of the Springdale Dynamos, is getting a new turf field using crumb rubber infill. It’s expected to be ready in time for the start of football season in September.
CVU turf field dreams revived (Williston Observer): Community leaders in Hinesburg, Vermont, are seeking to raise funds for a new turf field for the Champlain Valley School District, which will host soccer and lacrosse practices and games. The district superintendent noted that rainfall had caused excessive cancellations and interruptions on the current grass field.
What We’re Reading
Final Thoughts
This week on the Better Play Initiative LinkedIn page, make sure to check out our full #ReadTheReport carousel, which details what The Washington Post missed in its recent coverage of artificial turf debates.
The carousel details this year's CalEPA/OEHHA study, which analyzed crumb rubber and concluded that the infill poses "no significant risk" to those using the fields.
The report clarifies the safety of the material, helping communities feel comfortable using recycled rubber surfaces in their parks and playgrounds. All the latest research is available at BetterPlayToday.org.
Don’t miss the latest from BPI on LinkedIn and X.
See you next time!
