If you are an athletic director or run a school, you know that special considerations need to be taken when dealing with facilities for children. Students of all ages need to feel safe and comfortable on their playing surfaces, which is something that can’t be overlooked. If you’re deciding on new surfaces, artificial turf is a good option that is becoming more and more popular.
At American Athletic Track and Turf, we help provide
artificial turf for schools and other facilities. Here, we discuss what makes artificial surfaces ideal for schools, colleges, and universities.
What Is Artificial Turf?
Artificial turf, also known as synthetic turf, is an alternative to natural grass. It has been around since the 1960s when it was
first introduced to the world in Houston at the Astrodome. While the surface was originally harder and less forgiving, today’s artificial turf has come a long way. It not only looks like natural grass but now has a softer feel that makes play more comfortable for athletes. Nowadays, these turf fields are popping up everywhere from NFL stadiums to recreational fields in parks and schools.
What Makes It Different from Natural Surfaces?
Artificial turf has many benefits that make it an easy choice for those looking to update their current fields. First, because the turf is made of synthetic materials, it doesn’t need to be maintained nearly as often. While natural grass will only continue to look lush and green if you water it, mow it, and use the necessary chemicals, synthetic surfaces need little to no regular maintenance, helping you save time, money, and effort.
What’s more, artificial turf is a surface that’s ready for play at nearly any time. Natural grass will need to be tended to early in the spring to get it ready for play. Turf is also helpful after inclement weather because, unlike natural grass, it won’t create a slippery surface or offer puddles.
Additionally, turf doesn’t invite insects or other animals as much as natural grass. The influx of insects will result in the need for chemicals, which can be harmful to athletes, and other critters might burrow into natural grass, creating divots and holes that could lead to injury if not taken care of.
Why Choose Artificial Turf for Schools?
Schools of all sizes can benefit from synthetic surfaces in several ways, including:
Year-Round Use
While the snow and ice that accompany cold temperatures mean most winter sports are held indoors, as soon as the weather warms up, artificial surfaces are ready for use. This is important for schools because they have sporting events lined up throughout the year, including spring, summer, and fall sports, which require usable surfaces.
Consistency
Having a consistent surface allows you to ensure fair play. This means that one side of the field won’t become more worn due to practices or recreational use, allowing for better competition and more exciting sporting events.
Fewer Allergy Issues
Children who suffer from allergies will greatly appreciate synthetic turf for schools. Unlike natural grass which can be troublesome for some athletes, artificial surfaces can be enjoyed by all without needing allergy medication on hand.
Injury Prevention
The last thing anyone wants to see during a sporting event is an injury. This is even more true when you’re dealing with children. Fortunately, today’s artificial surfaces are softer than ever and many even have built-in shock-absorption, helping to prevent injuries.
Lean on Our Team for Athletic Surfaces
At American Athletic, we’ve been providing dependable services to those in Eastern Pennsylvania, Southern Massachusetts, Delaware, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the greater Orlando, Florida, area for over 25 years. We offer beautiful and safe artificial turf for schools and other athletic complexes as well as
running tracks and
tennis courts. We even provide
repairs and maintenance to keep everything looking great for years to come, and our awards and warranties make our experts easy to trust.
Our
SmartBuy Program allows you to skip the traditional bidding process, helping you save time and money and giving you more control over your final product. We work with the
FieldTurf A Tarkett Sports Company to ensure high-quality products.
Contact us today if you have any questions.
