The Triangle

Issue date: 11/12/04 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Morgen Rossmair Buckley Green, at 33rd and Arch, will have be resurfaced starting Nov. 15. The project is said to take only three months, but may take longer due to weather.

Sprinturf, a locally-based company, will begin a new resurfacing project on Buckley Turf Field Nov. 15. During this time, the turf field will be closed, with all access gates being locked and all main lights being turned off.

Sprinturf, out of Wayne, PA, has completed projects more recently for Temple University's football practice field, University of Pennsylvania's Franklin Field, the Philadelphia Eagles' indoor practice facility and also some local high school fields. Assistant athletic director Dan Simmons pointed out that the new turf field will not be unique in the city. "We'll have exactly what Temple has," he said. This turf field that will be put in place is basically made up of synthetic "grass" with rubber granules filled in.

The project is set to begin Monday morning with the removal of the current "carpet". Following the removal, representatives from Sprinturf will ensure the drainage system, the base and perimeter are in place and ready for the actual installation. Then the turf will be installed, set in place and groomed before the project is completed. Ideally, the turf renovation would be fully completed in 3 weeks but with the unpredictability of the weather and any other set-backs that may occur, the second or third week in December seems more realistic.

In terms of specifics, Simmons said that, "The dimensions will be the same as they are right now. With the borders and end zones included, the turf will cover 82 yards by 40 yards which equates to 29, 520 sq. ft." Hence, the stadium-like grassy knoll, benches, seating areas, and mini-skateboard park will all go unaffected.

Also noted was the current slope which goes downward from 33rd to 32nd streets. The slope won't be completely fixed, partially because of drainage. However, with the difference in the type and make of the turf, the slope will be a lot less noticeable. According to Simmons, "It [the slope] will be less dramatic because the turf itself is thicker."

Besides providing students with a brand new, state-of-the-art turf field, it may also help limit injuries. The rubber "shavings" or granules along with a longer and thicker "grass" should lend a helping hand in the safety and well-being of those playing. "The nature of sports leads to people getting hurt, but conversely the science of the fields is getting better, and you see places like the Meadowlands and the Baltimore Ravens stadium going from grass to turf, so it should help" Simmons said.

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