Mission
During the past five years there has been a proliferation of artificial turf fields in New England. Prior to the turn of the century, artificial turf fields had been used primarily in large football stadiums, at universities with Division I sports programs or at colleges lacking sufficient field space to accommodate existing programs. Schools located in Northern climates have constructed artificial turf fields to accommodate spring and fall sport practices and contest play. Synthetic turf is quickly being recognized as the preferred playing surface for field hockey, football, lacrosse, and soccer. The synthetic turf surface generally provides a safer and more exciting game experience for participants and spectators. With the addition of artificial turf, field hockey, football, and lacrosse would also be able to compete under the lights. A lighted artificial turf field will be a source of pride for the entire community. It will also provide a positive venue for weekend night activities.
What is Artificial Turf…?
The product that McMann Turf is considering is different from traditional synthetic turf as most people envision it. The most dramatic difference is immediately obvious. Instead of a dense, abrasive, fibrous rug, the surface is smooth and silky to the touch, much like a meadow of new spring grass. The blades are a unique blend of specially treated Polyethylene fibers that are as soft it is tough. Rug burns are a thing of the past. Players can slide, tackle and tumble without fear of abrasions. The old hatred of “turf” – voiced so loudly by players, trainers, coaches, the media, even parents and doctors – are a distant memory. But it’s more than just the absence of abrasions. Unlike traditional artificial turfs, this product does not rely on an underlying shock pad for safety, resilience and player comfort. Just like its natural grass relative, the artificial fibers are surrounded and stabilized by a special blend of “synthetic earth” – a patented mixture of smooth, rounded silica sand and rubber granules, which is made of re-ground athletic shoe material. That’s a whole story in itself.
These rubber granules are a key component, formulated by cryogenically freezing tire rubber then shattering it into smooth, clean, rounded particles. The granules are sized and shaped to stay “in suspension” with the sand of a similar size, shape and weight. The sand and rubber are precision layered to guarantee uniformity by a patented installation process.
The result is a stable, resilient, uniform, shock-absorbing surface that looks and feels like natural grass, ideal not only for athletes at the elite level but for everyday athletes. This design actually is documented to reduce injuries in players competing on it. Even when compared to natural grass!
