Brownstown Central Football Turf Project

Why Synthetic Turf?
1} Improve Parking at the High School-With the addition of a turf field, the football team would not use a portion of the present practice facility. This would open up an area that could be used for much needed parking.

2} Accessibility- At the end of the season we run into a problem of where to practice. If we have bad weather our practice field is either under water or in poor shape, which could lead to injuries. Because of this we either have to practice on the game field or use the auxiliary gym. If we use the game field we could damage the field, which could hurt the condition of the field for a home tournament game. If we use the gym than the basketball team either practices later or does not practice, which hurts their program. With a turf field we would practice on the turf. Also other groups would benefit, including the high school band, the high school & middle school physical education classes, school clubs, community groups, middle school football program, the 56er football program and the Flag football program. Baseball and softball could also practice on the turf if they are unable to practice on their diamonds due to poor weather.

3} Safety- A consistent playing surface and low G-Max rating [a measurement of the shock absorbing properties of synthetic turf] is essential for a safe playing surface. Sure footing is key to preventing any type of foot, ankle and leg injuries, and a flat and consistent synthetic system can provide that type of surface, whereas grass fields have divots and develop ruts. The G-Max rating is an important testing process for the final completion of a synthetic turf system. The proper G-Max rating will provide a safer playing surface to reduce the risk of head injuries as well.
4} Environmental Impacts- By installing synthetic turf, some environmental benefits are gained such as reduced amounts of water and eliminations of fertilizers and gas-driven lawnmowers, all of which are needed to maintain natural grass fields. In addition, the new generation of artificial turf uses rubber granules made from recycled tires mixed in with sand as an infill material underneath the synthetic turf. Tire disposal has become a major problem for landfills in the United States and efforts to recycle this material are encouraged.
5} Opportunity- Because of its durability, turf can be used more often, thus generating the possibility of income through rental fees. Having a synthetic turf field creates more economic opportunities for Brownstown Central High School and the Brownstown Central Community School Corporation.

6} First Class Facility- The addition of a synthetic turf would upgrade our football facilities to a level comparable to Gibson Southern, Southridge, Providence, Lawrenceburg and Seymour.

7} Smart Investment- Natural grass fields are not as durable, which limits hours of usage. In addition, maintenance expenses can reach upwards of $25,000 annually. The yearly savings will be allocated to other school projects.
Annual upkeep {from Southridge AD} $1500 per year for one antibacterial application for the year/one G max test {softness}. Turf maintenance {maintenance equipment is included in purchase price} - Southridge sweeps the turf on Fridays of home varsity games, grooms the turf one time per year. No issues with bacteria- they apply antimicrobial one time for the season.

A partial list of high schools in Indiana currently using a synthetic surface or are in the process of getting a turf field: At the present time over 100 High Schools have or are getting a synthetic turf field.
Seymour Gibson Southern Southridge Providence
Lawrenceburg Floyd Central New Albany Jeffersonville
Columbus East Columbus North Bloomington South Bloomington North
Ev. Mater Dei Heritage Christian Franklin Martinsville
Park Tudor Whiteland Warren Central Noblesville
Lafayette Jeff Homestead Portage Avon
Indpls. Cathedral Ben Davis Roncalli Brebeuf
Carmel Center Grove Indpls. North Central Pike

If you are interested in learning more about synthetic turf go to the following websites:
www.generalsportsturf.com - Columbus schools’ turf
www.fieldturf.com – Indianapolis Colts turf & Center Grove High School
www.themotzgroup.com – Lawrenceburg, Providence & Whiteland High Schools
www.sprinturf.com - Seymour, Gibson Southern, New Albany & Floyd Central High Schools