Synthetic turf has been gaining acceptance in a variety of sports facilities for over a decade. Incorporating synthetic turf in parks and recreational facilities is the next frontier for this alternative to natural grass.

But does it make sense for your park?

Kleingers (the parent company of Sportworks) will explore this topic at this weekend’s 2016 Ohio Parks and Recreation Association Conference and Trade Show.

Synthetic Turf used in New and Interesting Ways

Source: www.justalittlecreativity.com

As synthetic turf improves in quality and becomes more and more popular for various sport fields, it has begun to become more popular for new and varied uses. Recently synthetic turf has been used for everything from dog parks, bocce ball and lawn bowling, golf courses, tennis courts, playgrounds, swimming pool surrounds, amphitheaters, and open lawn areas.

The benefits of synthetic turf are many. It is easy to create a level playing surface, it is durable, soft on bare feet or paws, adaptable to many surfaces and prevents weed growth.

However, there can be draw-backs, potentially including cost and maintenance.

The OPRA session will explore the basics of synthetic turf including different types of turf, the maintenance and costs involved, the necessary subgrade and drainage, and safety considerations.

By the conclusion of the program, parks and recreation personnel should have a better understanding if the benefits to synthetic turf outweigh the costs for their particular park.

As the Group Leader for Sportworks Field Design, a division of The Kleingers Group, Craig Honkomp, PE, PS, LEED AP has completed more than 100 synthetic turf projects sits on the Board of the National Synthetic Turf Council as a national turf expert.

Honkomp will be joined by Michael Pistiolas, RLA, LEED AP BD+C, CCCA, a senior landscape architect with more than 13 years of park and construction document and construction administration experience.

To learn more about synthetic turf and its uses for parks and recreation projects, contact Craig at (513) 779-7851 or Michael at (614) 882-4311.