The Advantages of Artificial Turf Baseball Fields

by Joe Bruning | Jun 18, 2021 | Sports

Are you thinking about switching your natural grass baseball or softball field to turf?

The shift towards artificial turf in baseball and softball fields is becoming increasingly popular among high schools and sports complexes. Artificial turf fields can be found to offer a myriad of advantages for schools and sports complexes. While natural fields are still a great option, they can be tough to maintain and still have a fair share of disadvantages. Below you will be able to read about some of the major advantages of artificial turf baseball fields.

Less Rainouts Means More Time For Play

With artificial turf, there is no need to worry about the rain when planning to play. Even after a rain storm, turf fields can be used without having to worry about damaging it. This also means less cancellations of games and less downtime as there is no need for the field to require recovery time. Teams are more likely to schedule tournaments at athletic facilities that feature artificial turf. When teams travel across the country for a tournament, they want to know the games will be played and not cancelled due to rain. The kids get to play their games, families don’t waste their money traveling, and facility owners don’t lose out on business. This goes to show how artificial turf fields can be more reliable than natural grass fields.

Save Your Money on Maintenance Costs

Artificial turf is low maintenance. There is no need to waste water in order to maintain your field, especially during the summer months when natural grass fields are in need of water to keep up. This requirement difference lends to a more environmentally sustainable system. Apart from water, faux grass does not need to be regularly maintained with mowing or trimming as opposed to natural grass fields. For artificial turf, when regularly played on, the turf will become compact. It is important to keep the fibers in an upright position, so fields will need to be dragged periodically with a groomer to help avoid this. Once worn out, there may be a need to add rubber around the bases of the field and hone the plate areas for better playability.

Consistent Play and Less Injuries

Artificial turf offers an advantage to the athletes as well. With artificial turf, the playing field is typically more consistent and level, which makes bounces on the field more predictable. This means less injuries, less missing teeth, and happier athletes. Studies show that artificial turf can offer a softer landing than real grass, which makes sliding on turf baseball fields less painful than natural grass fields. Overall, this high quality field will allow the best practice for athletes to work on their skills.

No Harmful Chemicals

Artificial turf fields knock out the need for pesticides and other harmful chemicals as turf does not require any treatment for a healthy grass and cleaner playing field.

Easy and Straightforward Installation

With artificial turf installation, these fields take an average of 8 to 12 weeks to construct, not including pre-construction activities. Check out some of our completed projects!

While artificial turf can hold an advantage over natural grass fields, it is important to note one drawback of synthetic turf. During the summer months, the heat of the turf can deter some away as the rubber fill can hold onto heat. Grass fields can be noticeably cooler than turf in these conditions.

Is all artificial turf the same? We actually wrote a blog about this. Click here to check it out.

Artificial turf can offer a tremendous advantage not only to the athletes, but to the resources going into maintaining it. It is important to note that not every turf is meant for baseball, which is why you should consult an expert. Not sure what is best for you? Give us a call at (314) 254-9766 or contact us below!

How to Improve Your Community with Pocket Parks

by Joe Bruning | Jun 8, 2021 | Parks

Pocket Parks: What they are and how they can quickly improve your community

Small but mighty, pocket parks have the ability to transform a community. In urban areas that lack recreational space, pocket parks offer a solution. With just an abandoned alleyway or vacant lot, these small areas can be reimagined into tiny parks that offer value to the surrounding area.

What is a pocket park?

A pocket park, also known as a minipark or a vest-pocket park, is a small plot of land that is typically no more than ¼ of an acre. Pocket parks are generally located in urban areas with limited green space and can be found as benefitting low-income areas. These renovated spaces allow for unused or run down land to serve a specific purpose for the surrounding community. Pocket parks should be easily accessible for community members, meaning that the park should be walkable. Pocket parks are created in areas in need of this renovation, therefore the parks should primarily benefit the surrounding community.

What is the purpose of a pocket park?

Pocket parks create use for vacant plots of land as well as offer additional benefits. One of the more common purposes of these parks is to create recreational space for youths in urban areas. Whether that is a playground or just green space for children to run around, these parks offer a solution to youths lacking the much needed space. Another common use for pocket parks is the ability for the space to be used as a community gathering. By allowing a common area in a community, residents can have an easily accessible place to come together and build relationships. This area can also be used as a space to go to relax or a place to take visitors. Apart from a physical space to visit, pocket parks offer intangible benefits. These appealing areas can, “increase safety and boost community pride,” according to Pocketparks.

According to the NRPA, pocket parks have four key qualities:

(1) they are accessible

(2) allow people to engage in activities

(3) are comfortable spaces and have a good image

(4) are sociable places where people meet each other and take people to when they come to visit

How do pocket parks help the environment?

In dense urban areas, pocket parks help to encourage more green space. By having an area with grass, gardens, or trees, this space can help to support the ecology while conserving the wildlife. Green space can additionally help to reduce pollution in the area, thereby improving the health of the community. Some pocket parks have even taken to constructing community gardens in their pocket parks, which supports naturally grown foods and a strong sense of accomplishment, which can boost mental health.

What are the benefits of pocket parks?

Pocket parks allow local communities to come together to make a positive change. As a group, residents are given the chance to work as a team to decide on what purpose their pocket park will serve. This process can help to build healthy relationships within the community while offering a sense of accomplishment. Pocket parks can also help to improve the appearance of the area, especially in low-income areas or areas that are run-down. This nicer appearance can help to deter crime and improve the mental health of the community. It has even been found that pocket parks can help increase surrounding property values.

To learn more contact us below or give us a call at (314) 254-9766!