Attracting Funding Support for a Synthetic Turf Field 4-12 · Local Support for a Synthetic Turf...

www.SyntheticTurfCouncil.org

Published April 2012

AttractingFunding&LocalSupportforaSyntheticTurfField


TableofContents

1. IntroductionletterfromRickDoyle,SyntheticTurfCouncilPresident

2. StepOne:De ineyourpurposeandgoals

3. StepTwo:CreateaCommittee

4. StepThree:InitiateFundraising:

a. PublicGrantsb. PrivateGrantsc. PrivateFundraising/Sponsorshipsd. Public/privatepartnershipse. Professionalfundraisersf. Supplier/vendor inancingg. Organizingapublicgathering

5. StepFour:UseCommunicationTools

a. PowerPointpresentationforeducatingkeydecisionmakersb. FAQc. AdditionalResources

6. CaseStudies

Theideasfornon‐traditionalfundingalternativeswereexcerptedfromapresentationgivenbyBillSeymour,P.E.,ofGaleAssociates,Inc.attheSTC’sSpringMembershipMeetingin2011.


DearSyntheticTurfFieldSupporter,

We’vespokentonumerousathleticdirectors,boosterclubs,coachesandadministratorsnationwidewhopassionatelywanttobringasyntheticturf ieldtotheirschool.Theyrecognizethatthedurable,lushandsafegrass‐likesurfaceallowsmorestudentstoplayandpracticesportsandincreasetheiritnesslevels.Abletobeusedintherainorduringthemonthswhengrassdoesn’tgrow,syntheticturfieldsalsoaccommodatemultiplesportsandactivities,conservewaterandreducemaintenancecosts.

Today’ssyntheticturfisdesignedtosimulatetheexperienceofpracticingandplayingonthebestgrassields.Demandhasgrowntothepointwheremorethan7,000syntheticturf ieldsarecurrentlybeingusedinNorthAmericabyhighschoolandcollegiateathletesinvolvedinfootball,soccer,hockey,baseball,rugby,lacrosseandmanyothersports.AbouthalfofallNFLteamscurrentlyplaytheirgamesonsyntheticturfand,since2003,over70FIFAU‐17andU‐20WorldCupmatcheshavebeenplayedonsyntheticturfsoccer ields.

However,raisingfundsfor ieldhasbecomemorechallenginginlightoftheeconomicconditionsofthepastfewyears.That’swhytheSyntheticTurfCouncil(STC)hascreatedthispackettohelpyouraisemoneyandeducatethecommunityaboutthebene itsofasyntheticturfsports ield.Itincludesfundraisingtips,advicedemonstratingtheviabilityoftheproject,educationalmaterialsandoverallrecommendationstohelpyourgroupmoveforwardwithitsdreamofobtainingasyntheticturf ield.

Withournon‐pro ittradeassociation’sfocusassistingbuyersandenduserswiththeselection,use,andmaintenanceofsyntheticturfsystems,wehopethisinformationisofgreatbene ittoyou.Ifyouhaveanyadditionalquestions,don’[email protected]‐385‐6720.

Cheers,

RickDoyle,PresidentSyntheticTurfCouncil400GalleriaParkway,Suite1500Atlanta,GA30339

www.syntheticturfcouncil.org

mailto:[email protected]


2

StepOne:De ineYourPurposeandGoalsThekeytoasuccessfulfundraisingeffortistohaveclearlyde inedgoalsandapurposethatcanbeembracedbythecommunityyouserve.Forexample,ifyournewmulti‐purposesyntheticturf ieldwillallowfortheintroductionofnewactivities–likesoccerandlacrosseinadditiontofootball,thatmeansmorestudentswillhavethechancetobecomeactiveanddeveloptheleadershipandteamworkskillsthatarisefromplayingteamsports.Tipsinclude:

1. Bespeci icindiscussingthe ield’simpact.Itismuchstrongertosay“over500studentswillbene itfromtheintroductionofnewsportsandphysicaleducationclassesonthe ield”or“thousandsofchildrenfromcommunityyouthleagueswillnowhaveaplacetoplaysocceryear‐round”thanmakingvaguestatementsaboutincreasedusage.

2. Doyourresearch.Isyourfacilitytheonlyoneintheareawithoutasyntheticturf ield?Canyoushowhowmorestudentswillhavechancestocompeteforcollegeathleticscholarshipswiththeadditionoftheplayingsurface?Quantifypointsofdifferenceasmuchaspossible,suchasgamesmissedorrescheduledduetoweather,thecostsofbussingstudentstoalternatefacilitiesorrentalswhengamescan’tbeplayedathome.Inaddition,usepicturesoftheexisting ieldconditionstoillustratewhytheymaybeunsatisfactoryorunsafe.

3. Demonstratetheviabilityoftheproject.Fundingsourceswanttoseethatyou’vethoughtofeverystep,rightdowntothespeci icationsofhowthe ieldwillbeconstructedandused.That’swhytheSTCrecommendspartneringwithanexperienceddesignprofessionalorconsultanttotrulybringyourprojecttolifeandofferguidance.Insomecases,youmaybene itfromaninitialfeasibilitystudyaswell.Youmayalsowanttoinvestigatelocalordinances,codesandpermittingrequirementsthatmayimpacttheprojectandyourtimeline.Visitwww.syntheticturfcouncil.orgtosearchforaquali iedengineeringandarchitecturalprofessionalinyourcommunitywithsports ieldexpertise.

4. Developrealistictimelines.Fundraisingisnosmalltask,sodonotunderestimatethetimeandeffortitwilltaketobuildandcompleteasuccessfulcampaign.Withthehelpofyourconsultant,estimatethetimeneededtoraisethenecessaryfundsandbuildthe ield.

5. Obtainnot‐for‐pro itstatus.Beforeinitiatingfundraising,setupanot‐for‐pro itfoundationtoreceivedonationssotheyaretaxdeductible.


3

StepTwo:CreateaCommittee

Whetheryouareanathleticdirector,principal,activevolunteeroracoach,chancesaregoodthatyourscheduledoesn’tallowextratimeforfundraisingororganizingpublicgatherings.Ittakesavillagetoraisemoneyforasyntheticturf ieldandacommitteeofcommunitymembersshouldbeformedwhocanhelpwiththisprocess.ItisimportanttoputtheproperamountofgroundworkinbeforepresentingtotheSchoolBoard,whoseapprovalisnecessarytomoveforward.Recommendationsinclude:

Startbypopulatingyourfundraisingcommitteewithpeoplewhocanleveragetheirspeci icexpertisetoadvancetheeffort,likealocalcontractor,attorney, inancialconsultant,townplanner,communicationsexpertorfundraisingprofessional.Bestrategicaboutwhotobringtothiscommittee;technicalexpertsshouldbeselectedfortheirabilitytomeetyouranticipatedneeds.

Addindividualssuchasparentswhoaretypicallythemostenthusiasticaboutbringingsyntheticturftoyourschool.Inadditiontotheonesyouhavearelationshipwith,reachouttomiddleschoolandyouthfamilies.Fromthe irstfundraisertothe irstgamecouldbealongtime,somakesureyouapproachparentswhosechildrenwillultimatelybene itmostfromyoursyntheticturf ield.Committeememberscanalsoincludecommunityleadersandschoolalumni.

Thisgroupcanrangeinsize,usuallynomorethanadozenindividuals;justmakesureyouselectpeoplewhoarewillingtocommittheirtimetothisvolunteerrole.

Clearlyde ineroles,responsibilitiesandexpectations,aswellasleadershipofthecommittee.

Holdcommitteemeetingsoncampusoratthehomeofamemberatleastonceamonth.Astheprojectprogresses,meetingswilllikelyincrease.Makesureeveryonehastimetoparticipate.

Theearlieryouformthecommitteethebetter.Ideally,thecommitteeshouldbeformedanddesignconsultantselectedbeforepresentingtotheBoardofEducation.Thisway,you’llhavealargersupportgroup.


4

StepThree:InitiateFundraising

Whileconventionalmunicipalfundingoptionswereapopularwaytoraisemoneyinthepast,intoday’seconomicenvironmentitismuchhardertosecurethatkindofsupportthroughtownappropriationscommitteesandmeetings,capitalprojectsandmunicipalbonds.

Instead,anincreasingnumberofschoolsandorganizationsareexploring:

Publicgrantprograms

Privategrants

Creativefundraisingideas/sponsorships

Public/privatepartnerships

Professionalfundraisers

Supplier/vendor inancing

Learnmoreabouteachandadditionaloptionsonthefollowingpages.


5

PublicGrantPrograms

Anumberoffederalandstateagenciesexistthatprovidefundingforcommunitydevelopmentprojectslikeparksandathletic ields.Severalprominentonesinclude:

LandandWaterConservationFund‐ProvidesmatchinggrantstoStatesandlocalgovernmentsfortheacquisitionanddevelopmentofpublicoutdoorrecreationareasandfacilities(aswellasfundingforsharedfederallandacquisitionandconservationstrategies).

TheUrbanParksandRecreationRecovery(UPARR)Program–Awardsmatchinggrantsandtechnicalassistancetoeconomicallydistressedurbancommunities,speci icallydirectFederalassistancetourbanlocalitiesforrehabilitationofcriticallyneededrecreationfacilities.

EPABrown/Green ield’sProgram–Allocatesgrantsforbrown ieldlandredevelopedforbene icialusetothecommunity,suchasathletic ields.

HUD–CommunityDevelopment‐Providescommunitieswithresourcestoaddressawiderangeofuniquecommunitydevelopmentneeds.

Stateandlocalgrants–Oftenindividualstatesandcommunitieswilloffergrantsthatcanbeusedforsyntheticturf ields.Forexample,inMassachusetts,theMAPARCSGrants,SchoolBuildingAssistanceBureauandCommunityPreservationActhavefundedlocalparksandschoolswithsyntheticturf ieldswhileinNewJersey,theBurlingtonCountyBoardofChosenFreeholdershasaMunicipalParkDevelopmentProgramthatdoesthesame.

http://www.nps.gov/lwcf/

http://www.nps.gov/uprr/

http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/

http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/comm_planning/communitydevelopment/programs


6

PrivateGrants

Sportsfederationsareanexcellentsourceofprivategrants,promotingtheinterestsofthesportinvolved.Extremelycompetitive,yourapplicationshouldbeasdetailedandcompellingaspossible.Includespeci ications(preliminarydesignschematics)fromaprofessionalconsultantdemonstratingtheviabilityoftheprojectandjusti icationforthefunds.Priorityisusuallygiventonewfacilities.

Keepinmindtheirdecisionsaremotivatedmorebyhowyouareenhancingtheinterestsandvaluesoftheirspeci icsport.SoifyouareapproachingtheU.S.Soccerorganizationforagrant,itisimportanttoincludeplansforbringingthesporttoanunder‐servedsectorofthepopulationanddemonstratestronganticipatedimpact.

NFLYouthFootballFund

U.S.SoccerFoundation

BaseballTomorrowFund

USATrack&FieldFoundation

U.S.TennisAssociation

NationalHockeyLeagueGoals&DreamsFund

Fundingtobuildasyntheticturf ieldisalsoavailablethroughotherprivateendowmentsandfoundationsnottiedtoaparticularsport.Considerresearchingoptionsonlineusingspecialattributesofyourorganizationandlocationaskeywords.

http://www.nflyff.org/grant-programs

http://www.ussoccerfoundation.org

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/community/btf.jsp

http://www.usatffoundation.org/

http://www.usta.com/About-USTA/Organization/Grants_USTA/

http://www.nhlpa.com/Giving-Back


7

PrivateFundraising/Sponsorships

BoosterClubsareagreatplacetostartyourprivatefundraisinginitiative.Withrecognizedlegalstatus,theybecometherevenueconduitforthiseffort.Oncethe ieldisconstructed,yourboosterclubcanalsogeneraterecurringrevenuebyleasingthe ieldtoothers,charginguserfeeds,handlingconcessionsandmore.Somefundraisingideasthathaveworkedforotherschoolsandorganizationsinclude:

Sellthenamingrightstoyour ield–Thistacticcanhelpyoubringinmajordollars.Atonehighschool,formerfootballplayersbandedtogethertoraisemoneyandboughtthenamingrightstotheirhighschool ieldfor$100,000sotheycouldnameitaftertheircoach.Highpro ilecommunitymembersmaybewillingtobuythenamingrightsforasetperiodoftime,anywherebetween iveto10years.

Exploreadditionaldonorrecognitionopportunities–Donors,whethertheyarelocalbusinessesorindividuals,appreciatehavingtheirsupportacknowledged.Considersellingunitpavers,seatbacks,parkingspaces,scoreboardpanels,sidelineturfadsinsertedintothe ield,fenceplacardsandothercomponentsofthe ieldtolocaldonorsinreturnforpermanentrecognition.

Reachouttocommunityyouthandadultsportsleagues–Thedurabilityofsyntheticturfallowsittobeplayedonyearlongandinalltypesofweather.Thisaffordsyoutheopportunitytorentyour ieldtocommunitysportsleagues.Makeadealwiththesegroups.Iftheycommittodonatingacertainamountfortheinstallationofthe ield,thenyouwillallowthemtoplayacertainamountofhoursoniteachyear.

Promotethe ieldatFridaynightfootballgames–Oneofthebestplacestoshareyourdreamofbringinginasyntheticturf ieldistheschool’sweeklyfootballgame.Letthecrowdknowwhatyouwanttodo,whyyouwanttodoitandhowtheycanhelp.Then,everyFridaynightbeforehomefootballandsoccergames,providestatusupdates.Askfordonationstohelptheprocessandrepeatthisannouncementateverygame.

Identifythe‘heavyhitters’–It’simportanttoreachouttoin luentialpeoplesuchaslocalsportscelebritiesandsuccessfulalumniinyourcommunity.Thesearethepeoplewhocandonatemorethan$1,000totheproject;alsoallowforlargercontributionsthatexceed$50,000incertaincases.Thenumberofpeopleonthislist,alongwiththeamounttheyareabletodonatewillvaryineachcommunity.Reachouttothesepeoplewiththefollowingideas:

○ Hostauniquefundraisingevent.Bringyourcommunity’s‘heavyhitters’togetherforspecialeventswherethey’llhavethechancetomakedonations.Forexample,aviewingpartytowatchabelovedproorcollegefootballteammayworkforyourcommunity.Oryoucouldinvitepeopleinforawinetastingnight.Guestspayfortheirticketandthenspendtheeveningwithawineconnoisseur.Attheendoftheevening,they’llbegiventhe


8

chancetomakeadonationforthe ield(atonehighschool,aneventsimilartothisbroughtin$10,000inonenight).WorkwiththeCommitteetodecidewhatwillworkbestforyourcommunity.

○ Hostacommunityauction.Thishasthepotentialtoturnintoahugefundraisingevent.Reachouttocommunitymembersaskingthemtodonatetotheauction–ticketstoprofessionalsportingevents,aweekendatavacationhome,etc.Onehighschoolusedthistacticandraised$46,000.

○ OrganizeaGolfTournament.Apopularfundraiserinmanycommunities,participationingolftournamentscanoftenbeviewedasatax‐deductablebusinessexpense.Revenuecanbegeneratedbyregistrationfees,individualholesponsorshipsandmanyotherareas.


9

Public/PrivatePartnerships

Industryexpertsfeelthatpublic‐privatepartnershipsrepresentastronggrowthtrendinfundingsyntheticturf ields.Becauseofthediversityofsportsplayedanddemandon ieldspace,itcanmakesenseforapublicgroupandaprivateinstitutionorbusinesstoshareresourcesfortheirathleticfacilities.AnexcellentexampleofthiskindofpartnershipisGaudetMiddleSchoolinMiddletown,RhodeIslandandSalveReginaUniversity,locatednearbyinNewport,RhodeIsland.WhileGaudethadlotsofrealestate,theirsportsfacilitiesweremarginal.MeanwhileSalve,withalandlockedcampusthatdidn’tpermitathletic ieldexpansion,hadstrongresources.Sothetwoforgedamemoofunderstandingforfacilitysharing,thenew ieldwasbuiltatGaudetanditsnowinactiveusebystudentsandfacultyatbothschools.

Typicalpartnershipparametersinclude:

Schools

Cannotincludepublicfundsforrelatedimprovements

Detailschedulingand ieldusagewithintheMemorandumofUnderstanding

Ifthepartnershipisbetweenacollegeandhighschool,designstandardsvary(i.e.goalposts,trackand ieldevents)soplanforadjustablegoalpostarms.

Businesses(ForPro it)

RFPprocessbytownfordevelopmentproposals

Developerdesigns,permits,builds,operates,andmaintains

Typical50‐yearlease

RFPde inestown’sinterests,developmentstandards,hoursavailableandfee/ratestructure

Basisofawardis“BestValue”toTown

Townrequiresdesignconsultant/legaladvicetoprepareRFPandoverseepermittinganddevelopment


10

ProfessionalFundraising

Consideringthatcapitalcampaignsarecomplexandrequireitemsrangingfromprospectresearch,preparationofcasestatementsandvolunteerrecruitmentandtrainingtodonortrackingandmajorgiftexpertise,anumberoforganizationsareturningtoprofessionalfundraisingconsultantsforassistance.

TipsforSelectingaProfessionalFundraiser:

Contactothernon‐pro itgroupsinyourareaforinformationandreferrals(i.e.hospitals,colleges)

Contactyourlocalchapterofprofessionalfundraiserassociations

○ TheGivingInstitute,formerlytheAmericanAssociationofFundraisingCounsel,www.aafrc.org

○ AssociationofProfessionalFundraisers,www.afpnet.org

Reviewtheircredentials.Requestasamplecontractanddiscernhowtheywouldconductyourcampaign.

Determinewhatportionofthepro itswouldgodirectlytoyourcampaignandasktosee inancialdatafromtheirotherefforts.Note:Percentage‐basedcompensationisfrowneduponbymostprofessionalfundraisersbecauseitisconsideredunethical

Oncethefundraisercomesonboard,theywillstillrequiretools,informationandabaseofoperationsinordertosucceed.Theboard,boosterclubandstaffstillneedtoprovideconstantandactivesupport.


11

AdditionalAssistance

In‐KindServices

In‐Kindservicescanalsobedonatedtoyour ield.Localsitecontractorsandmaterialsuppliers(e.g.Aggregates,Inc.);stone,concrete,earthwork,clearing;topsoil,asphaltandmore.However,itcansometimesbedif iculttocoordinatethesedonationsandyourorganizationwillstillrequirepublicfundingfordesignandpermitting.

VendorFinancing

Somevendorsoffer inancingforsyntheticturf ields.Termsvaryandresultinproprietaryspeci ications.Designersandbuilderscanalsohelpfacilitatefunding.


12

OrganizingaPublicGathering

Bringingasyntheticturf ieldtoyourschoolcanhaveendlessbene its,butitwillrequireagreatdealofcommunitysupportandeffort.That’swhyit’simportanttogetpeopletogethertodiscussthebene itsofsyntheticturf,answeranyconcernsanddeterminethemosteffectivewaystointroducesyntheticturftoyourarea.Yourcommitteeshouldhelpimplementthesecommunitygatherings.Inthepast,successfulcommunityget‐togethershavehelpedschoolsraiseover$600,000andallowedelementaryandhighschoolsacrossthecountrythechancetobringsyntheticturftotheirstudents.

Thisforumallowsideastobeshared.Italsogetspeopleexcitedaboutraisingfunds.Belowaretipsforinitiatingapublicgatheringwithsomespeci icexamplesthathaveworkedwellforschoolsandcommunitiesinthepast.

InterestedParties:

Aneffectivepublicgatheringshouldhavetherightpeopleinvolved.Whenitcomestosyntheticturfields,thesepeopleareoftenschoolboardmembers,parents,athleticdirectors,coaches,localprofessionalathletesandcelebrities,athletesfromnearbyschoolsthatalreadyhavesyntheticturf,andanyotherkeydecisionmakerswithinthecommunity.Beginyouroutreacheffortswithinvitationsviamailore‐mailifyouareholdinganof icialeventoruse lyersaroundthecommunity.Often,word‐of‐mouthcanbethebestwaytogetpeopletogether.

BePrepared:

Usethecommunicationresourcesmentionedinthenextsectionofthispacket,suchasSyntheticTurf360⁰ortheFAQsheet,ashandoutsforyourevent.Visitwww.syntheticturfcouncil.orgtoviewthelatestindustryinformationandnewsstories.

It’simportanttoknowasmuchaspossibleaboutsyntheticturfpriortoorganizingapublicgathering.Talkwiththesyntheticturfprovidersyou’vebeenincontactwithandyourdesignconsultant.Themoreinformationyoucangivepeople,thebetter.

PicktheRightForum:

Bringingpeopletogetherinaplacetheyfeelcomfortableisimportant.Dependingonthepurposeoftheield,anyofthefollowingsituationsmaybeappropriate:

Hostafundraisingparty.WhenOakHillsHighSchoolinCincinnati,Ohioneededtoraisemoneyforasyntheticturf ield,theydecidedtobringtogethersomein luentialcommunitymemberstowatchaRedskinsfootballgame.Athalftime,theschool’sathleticdirector,alongwithparentsandschoolboardmembers,spoketothegroupaboutthebene itsofsyntheticturfandaskedifanyonewouldbewillingtodonatemoneyforthecause.Injustonenight,theyraised$40,000.


13

Bringingpeopletogetherinalaid‐backsettingcanbeagreatwaytoapproachthesyntheticturfissue.Sportingeventsmakethetopicrelevantandhostingitatalocalrestaurantorneighbor’shomemakesforacomfortableenvironment.

TownMeeting:Townmeetingscanbeagreatplacetoshareinformationaboutsyntheticturfields.Within luentialcommunitymembersgatheredinoneplace,you’relikelytoaddresstherightpeople.Besureyourequesttimetospeak.Thiscanbedonethroughyourlocaltownhall.

SchoolEvents:

○ Homecomingpeprally○ Schoolboardmeeting○ Halftimeataschoolsportingevent

FollowUp:Makecopiesoftheenclosedattendancesheetandcollectcontactinformationfromallattendees.Asyougathermoreinformationonsyntheticturf ields,passitalongtothosewhoareinterested.Thesearealsothepeopleyourcommitteewillreachouttoforcontributions.It’sessentialtostayincontactwithmembersofthecommunitythroughoutthefundraisingprocesstokeeptheminformedandawareofwhatisgoingon.


14

Sample:PublicGatheringAttendanceSheet

Name PhoneNumber EmailAddress MailingAddress

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.


15

FundraisingDeadlines

It’scriticaltosetagoalforthecompletionofyourfundraisingefforts.Thiswillensureyourvolunteersandcommitteemembersareworkinghardforthecauseandaredoingeverythingtheycantomakeithappen.Ifyouhavesomeoneonyourlogisticscommitteewhoisinchargeoffunding,pleasecoordinatewiththem.

BreakdownhowmuchmoneyisneededandhowyourReachingtheFinishLineCommitteecanworktogethertoraiseit.Example:

○ Youneed$ fortheproject.○ Fundraisingbreakdown:

AthleticBoosters $ Corporations $ Band/OtherBoosters $ “FriendsoftheSchool” $ 30peoplex$5,00050peoplex$1,000TOTAL: $

Developadetailedtimelinefortheproject.Belowisanexampleofaverygeneralschedule:

○ ProposedTimeframe:

Month,Year:Gatheracommitteetodevelopaplanfortheproject.Includecommitmentsfrombusinessesandcommunitymembers.Selectyourengineeringconsultantorlandscapearchitect.Educatethecommunityonthepotentialofthisprojectandhowitwillaffecttheschooldistrictasawhole.

Month,Year–Month,Year:Getbidsfortheproject.

Month,Year–Month,Year:Collectdonations.

Month,Year–Month,Year:Installthesyntheticturfatnameofschool.

Month,Year:Holdopeninggame/ribboncuttingceremonytoshowcasethenew ield.


16

StepFour:UseCommunicationTools

TheSyntheticTurfCouncilservesasanobjectiveresourceinassistingbuyersandenduserswiththeselection,use,andmaintenanceofsyntheticturfsystemsinsports ield,golf,andlandscapeapplications.Ourwebsite,www.syntheticturfcouncil.org,containsnumerousresourcesthatshouldhelpyourefforttosecureasyntheticturfplaying ield.

Werecommendthatyoureview:

SyntheticTurf360°,AGuideforToday’sSyntheticTurf‐Createdtoshowcasethenumeroususesandbene itsofsyntheticturf,thisdownloadablepiececaneasilybeprintedandusedasahandoutaslongasyoudonotalterthiscopyrightedSTCdocumentinanyway.

Curiousaboutthetermsusedtodescribesyntheticturfproducts?HereistheSTC’sGlossaryofTermsandDe initions.

ThelatestGuidelinesandProfessionalStandards

STCOnlineBuyers’Guide

http://www.syntheticturfcouncil.org/store/ListProducts.aspx?catid=209388

http://www.syntheticturfcouncil.org/?page=Glossary

http://www.syntheticturfcouncil.org/?page=Glossary

http://www.syntheticturfcouncil.org/store/ListProducts.aspx?catid=199392

http://stc.officialbuyersguide.net/


17

Note:WerecommendtakingthistemplateFAQandadaptingittotheneedsofyourorganization.Youcancopytheinformationbelowtouseasahandoutortoshareinon‐goingcommunicationpieces.

SyntheticTurfFrequentlyAskedQuestions

Asthepopularityofsyntheticturfescalates,sodoquestionsaboutitsusage.Hereisthemostrecentinformationaboutsyntheticturf.Formoredetailedresources,pleasevisitResearch&LatestThinkingatwww.syntheticturfcouncil.org.

Q:Whichsportscanbeplayedonsyntheticturf?

Syntheticturfsports ieldsforfootball,soccer, ieldhockey,baseball,tennis,lacrosseandrugbyhastraditionallyrepresentedthegreatestpercentageofthesyntheticturfmarket.However,droughtconditionsandlowwaterinmanyareashaspromptedirrigationrestrictions,whichhavedramaticallyincreasedthedemandandregulationforsyntheticgrassinlandscape,commercial,andgolfapplications.

Q:Whyshouldyourschoolraisemoneyforasyntheticturf ield?

Theneedforamulti‐useathletic ieldat(nameofschool)istremendous.Withmultiplesportsteams,bandsandphysicaleducationclassesusingthefacility,asyntheticturf ieldwillallowformoreusageandwillalsoreducewaterusageforourcity.Asmoreandmorecolleges,parksandhighschoolsacrossthecountryinstallsyntheticturf ields,isn’tittimefor(nameofschool)toconsiderwhatasyntheticturfsports ieldwouldmeantotheschoolandthecommunity?

Q:Howwillasyntheticturf ieldhelpyourschool?

Syntheticturf ieldsallowformoreplayingtimeforavarietyofteamsandcommunitygroups.Themarchingbandcannowpracticemoreregularlyoutside.Morestudentswillhaveaccesstorecreation,whichiscriticaltopromotingyouth itness.The ieldcanbeusedwithinhoursofinstallationandcanhandlethewearandtearofavarietyofsports.

Q:Howdoessyntheticturfcomparetonaturalgrassonplayerinjuryrates?

Madewithresilientmaterialsforsafety,syntheticturfsports ieldsprovideauniformandconsistentplayingsurface.Traction,rotationandslipresistance,surfaceabrasionandstabilitymeettherigorousrequirementsofthemostrespectedsportsleaguesandfederations.Soit’snosurprisethatrecentstudiesindicatethattheinjuryriskofplayingonsyntheticturfisnogreaterthannaturalgrass:

Three2010long‐termstudiespublishedbyresearchersfromNorwayandSwedencomparedacuteinjuriesonsyntheticturfandnaturalgrass.Thestudiesexaminedthetype,locationandseverityofinjuriessustainedbyhundredsofplayersduringthousandsofhoursofmatchesand


18

trainingoverafourto iveyearperiod.Manytypesofacuteinjuriestomenandwomensoccerplayers,particularlykneeinjury,anklesprain,musclestrains,concussions,ACLtears,andfractureswereevaluated.Theresearchersconcludedthattheinjuryriskofplayingonarti icialturfisnogreaterthanplayingonnaturalgrass;

AnanalysisbyFIFA'sMedicalAssessmentandResearchCentreoftheincidenceandseverityofinjuriessustainedongrassandsyntheticturfduringtwoFIFAU‐17WorldChampionships.AccordingtoFIFA,"Theresearchshowedthattherewasverylittledifferenceintheincidence,natureandcausesofinjuriesobservedduringgamesplayedonarti icialturfcomparedwiththoseplayedongrass."

A2004NCAAstudyamongschoolsnationwidecomparinginjuryratesbetweennaturalandsyntheticturffoundthattheinjuryrateduringpracticewas4.4%onnaturalturf,and3.5%onsyntheticturf.

Q:Howdoesthecostofasyntheticturf ieldcomparetoanaturalturf ield?

Purchasingasyntheticturf ieldmayseemexpensiveinitially,butthe ieldpaysforitselfovertime,provingtobeahighlycost‐effectiveinvestment.Syntheticturf ieldsaretypicallyutilizedforabout3,000hoursofplayperyear,withno“rest”required,theequivalentofthreetofourwell‐maintainednaturalturf ields.Inaddition,syntheticturfmaintenancecostsaretwotothreetimeslessthannaturalturf,sincenomowing,irrigationorchemicalsareneeded.Becauseofitsconsistentavailability,asyntheticturf ieldisalsoareliablesourceofrentalrevenueforschoolsandcommunities.

AccordingtoCoryJenner,alandscapearchitectureprofessionalinSyracuse,N.Y.,thecostofinstallingandmaintainingasyntheticturfsports ieldovera20‐yearperiod(includingonereplacement ield)isoverthreetimeslessexpensivepereventthanthecostofagrass ieldoverthesameperiodoftime.Thisisbecausemanymoreeventscanbeheldonasyntheticturfsports ield.“Financiallyspeaking,arti icialturfismorecost‐effectiveovertime,”Jennersaid.Thiscostpereventadvantageisvalidatedbyotherauthoritiesand ieldowners.

Syntheticturf ieldsoftenpayforthemselvesoverthelifeofthe ield.Becausesyntheticturfcanwithstandsomuchwearandtear,rentingyoursyntheticturf ieldtolocalsportsteamandorganizationsisagreatwaytodefercosts.Manyschoolsreportthattheybringin$15,000‐$45,000ayearinrentalfeesfromone ieldalone.It’salsoimportanttonotetheschoolwillsavetensofthousandsofdollarsonmaintenancefeeswithasyntheticturf ieldsincetherewillbenoneedforpesticidesandwaterusagecostswilldecreasedramatically.

Q:Whichtypeofsyntheticturfdoesyourschoolneed?

Ifyouhavedeterminedthatsyntheticturfisthewaytogoforyourschool,determinethetypeof


19

ieldneededbaseduponitsdesiredusage.Visitwww.syntheticturfcouncil.orgformoresourcesonselectingsyntheticturftohelpevaluatethisdecisionandselectthebestproviderforyourneeds.YoushouldalsoconsiderconsultingwithoneoftheindependentconsultantsorlandscapeengineersfeaturedintheSTC’smembershiplisting.

Q:Whyhassyntheticturfbecomesopopularoverthepastfewyears?

Today’ssyntheticturfisdesignedtosimulatetheexperienceofpracticingandplayingonagrass‐likesurfaceyearround.Demandhasgrowntothepointwheremorethan7,000syntheticturf ieldsarecurrentlybeingusedinNorthAmericabyagrowingnumberofhighschoolandcollegiateathletesplayingandpracticingfootball,soccer,hockey,baseball,rugby,lacrosseandmanyothersportsAbouthalfofallNFLteamscurrentlyplaytheirgamesonsyntheticturfand,since2003,over70FIFAU‐17andU‐20WorldCupmatcheshavebeenplayedonsyntheticturfsoccer ields.

Q:Howisthenewgenerationofsyntheticturfdifferentfromthatofthepast?

Increasingdemandforhigherqualityplayingsurfacesandintensecompetitionfor ieldaccessibilityhasgivenrisetoanewgenerationofsyntheticturfsystemsthatreplicatethelookandfeeloflush,naturalgrass.Whilethe irstarti icialturfsystemsusedinthe1960’sand1970’swerehard,signi icantadvancementshavebeenmadeduringthepastfewdecades.Bythe1990’s,playercomfortandperformancebecamethetoppriorityandthe irstsyntheticturfsystemswithsandandrubberin illwereintroduced.Today’ssyntheticturf,supportedbymanyNFLfranchises,UEFA,FIFAandotherinternationalsportsfederations,combinestheplayingcharacteristics,lookandfeelofnaturalturf,withtheadvantagesofincreasedplayability,safety,longerplayingseasonsandfewercanceledgames.

Q:Whatimpactdoessyntheticturfhaveonplayingtime?

Syntheticturfplaying ieldsexponentiallyincreaseplayingandpracticetimebecausetheycanbeuseddailyandinalltypesofweather,withoutworryofdamage.Withpropermaintenance,playabilityisenhancedsincethe ieldsremainuniformandconsistent,seasonafterseason.Inaddition,whileturfgrassmanagersrecommendagainstusinganatural ieldformorethan20–24hoursperweekor680–816hoursperyearforathree‐seasonwindow,syntheticturfcanbeutilizedaround3,000hoursperyearwithno“rest”required.

Q:Whatgoesunderneaththesyntheticturf?

Theturfmustbelaidonasuitablebase,dependingonitsapplication.Forsportusage,thismayincludeashockpadwhileinlandscapeapplications,theturfcanbelaidona lat,hardbase.Inchildren’splaygroundsandsporting ields,ashockpadisrecommendedtomeetCriticalFallHeightlegislation.Thelaidturfcanbe‘in illed’withacombinationofsandand/orgranularrubber,orotherin illmaterials,tostabilizethesystemandcreatespeci icplayingcharacteristics.Itisimportantto


20

consultaprofessionalaboutthisprocess.

Q:Issyntheticturfsafe?

Duringthepastfewyears,morethan75independent,credibleresearchandstudiesfromgroupssuchastheU.S.ConsumerProductSafetyCommission,U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyandstatewidegovernmentalagenciessuchastheNewYorkStateDepartmentofEnvironmentalConservation,NewYorkStateDepartmentofHealthandtheCaliforniaEnvironmentalProtectionAgency,havevalidatedthesafetyofsyntheticturf(manyofwhichcanbefoundatwww.syntheticturfcouncil.org.)For40years,underEPAoversightandOSHA‐regulatedmanufacturing,notonepersonhaseverreportedilleffectsrelatedtoanymaterialsassociatedwithsyntheticturf.Recenthighlightsinclude:

InOctober2010,theCaliforniaOf iceofEnvironmentalHealthHazardAssessmentcompleteditsmulti‐yearstudyofairqualityabovecrumbrubberin illedsyntheticturf,andbacteriaintheturf,andreportedthattherewerenopublichealthconcerns.

InJuly2010,theConnecticutDepartmentofPublicHealthannouncedthatanewstudyoftheriskstochildrenandadultsplayingonsyntheticturf ieldscontainingcrumbrubberin illshows“noelevatedhealthrisks.”

ADecember2009U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyscopingstudyofthehealthrisksfrominhalation,ingestion,anddermalcontactwithsyntheticturfandcrumbrubberfoundeverytestresulttobe“belowlevelsofconcern.”

TheCaliforniaEPAreleasedareportdatedJuly2009whichindicatedthereisanegligiblehumanhealthriskfrominhalingtheairabovesyntheticturf.

IndependenttestsconductedbytheNewYorkStateDepartmentofEnvironmentalConservationandNewYorkStateDepartmentofHealth,releasedinMay2009,provedtherewerenosigni icanthealthconcernsatsyntheticturf ields.

InJuly2008,aU.S.ConsumerProductSafetyCommissionstaffreportapprovedtheuseofsyntheticturfbychildrenandpeopleofallages.

Q:Howdoessyntheticturfimpacttheenvironment?

Syntheticturfhasameasurable,positiveimpactontheenvironment.Dependingontheregionofthecountry,atypicalgrasssports ieldcanusebetween500,000toamilliongallonsofwaterormoreeachyear.During2011,approximatelysixbilliongallonsofwaterwereconservedthroughitsuse.AccordingtotheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),theaverageAmericanfamilyoffouruses400gallonsofwateraday.Therefore,asavingsofsixbilliongallonsofwaterequatestotheannualwaterusageofover45,000averageAmericanfamiliesoffour.

http://www.cpsc.gov/

http://www.epa.gov/

http://www.health.ny.gov/

http://www.calepa.ca.gov/

http://www.calepa.ca.gov/

http://www.osha.gov/

http://oehha.ca.gov/

http://www.ct.gov/dph/site/default.asp


21

Taxcreditsandrebatesarebeingofferedtoresidentialandcorporateusersbyanincreasingnumberoflocalgovernmentsinlightofthetremendousimpactonwaterconservation.TheSouthernNevadaWaterAuthorityestimatesthateverysquarefootofnaturalgrassreplacedsaves55gallonsofwaterperyear.Ifanaveragelawnis1,800squarefeet,thenLasVegashomeownerswithsyntheticturfcouldsave99,000gallonsofwatereachyearorabout$400annually.InAtlanta,homeownerscouldsave$715ayear,notincludingmuchhighersewercharges.

Theestimatedamountofsyntheticturfcurrentlyinstalledhaseliminatedtheneedformillionsofpoundsofharmfulpesticidesandfertilizers,whichhassigni icanthealthandenvironmentalimplications.Forexample,accordingtotheNorthCarolinaDepartmentofEnvironmentandNaturalResources,pollutedstormwaterrunoffisthenumberonecauseofwaterpollutionintheirstate,withcommonexamplesincludingoverfertilizinglawnsandexcessivepesticideuse.

Inaddition,syntheticturfhelpsreducenoxiousemissions(theEPAreportsthatapushmoweremitsasmuchpollutioninonehouras11carsandaridingmoweremitsasmuchas34cars)andreducesgrassclippings,whichtheEPAstatesarethethirdlargestcomponentofmunicipalsolidwasteinland ills.


22

FundraisingCaseStudies

RidgelandHighSchool–Rossville,Georgia

Ridgelandisoneoftwohighschoolsinthelow‐to‐moderateincomeandmostlyruralareaofRossville,GA.TheschoolliesintheshadowofLookoutMountain.Afailingdrainagesystemcoupledwithrunofffromthemountainrenderedtheschool’s ieldintoamudpitbythesecondhalfofthefootballseason.Thechampionshipwinningteamwasforcedtopracticeandcompeteatneighboringschools.WhiletheWalkerCountySchoolBoardrecognizedtheneedforanew ield,theyfacedadilemma–howtofunda ieldforRidgelandwithoutproviding

similarmoniestothearea’sotherhighschool.Theboardhadthevisiontoseehowtheinstallationofasyntheticturf ieldcouldbene ittheentirecommunitybeyondjusthighschoolathletics.However,theywantedtoeducatethecommunityaboutturfandgathersupport.

Ridgeland’sfootballcoachwastappedtorallythecommunity’sfavorfortheproject.Thecoachproducedapowerpointpresentationthatdescribedtheproblemswiththecurrent ieldincludingthedrainageissueandhownaturalgrassrequiresrecoverytimewhichlimitsitsusability.Keycommunityleadersandbusinessownerswereinvitedtoatownhallmeetingtolearnabouttheschool’sneeds.ThecoachalsometwithleadingcharitableorganizationssuchasLionsandRotaryClubs.Hispresentationemphasizedthebene itstheentirecommunitywouldenjoyasaresultoftheinstallationofthe ield.

Amajordonorsteppedforwardtosupporttheinitiativeandanadditional$100,000wasraisedfromthecommunity.ThesecontributionsallowedRidgeland’sathleticdepartmenttofundthemajorityoftheproject.Today,theentirecommunityofRossvilleenjoysthesyntheticturf ieldatRidgelandHighSchool.


23

NotreDameAcademy‐ParkHills,KY

Inits100yearhistory,thestudentathletesoftheNotreDameAcademy(NDA)hadneverplayedahomegameuntiltheirdreamofinstallingasyntheticturf ieldbecameareality.Untilthen,theyreliedonthegenerosityofnearbyschoolstopracticewhenieldsweren’tbeingused.Dedicatedparentsandcoachestransportedthestudentstoborrowed ieldsforeverysinglepractice.Insomecases,NDAathletesusedabandoned ieldsoremptyplaygrounds.Theseareasoftenneededthegrasscut,dirtin illorrocks

andotherdebristoberemovedbeforetheyweredeemedsafeandplayablesurfaces.

ThedonationofalandbytheSistersofNotreDamesettheschool’splanfortheirveryown ieldinmotion.Althoughthe ieldwasawelcomegift,theadministratorsatNDAknewthesurfacewouldneedtobesyntheticturfinordertoaccommodatetheintenseusebyphysicaleducationclassesandnumerousteamsports.

In2007,the“MakingaDifference”capitalcampaignwaslaunchedwiththegoalofraising$12million.Thecampaigngoalincluded$3millionforanoutdoorathleticcomplex.Thecomplexwouldincludeasyntheticturfsoccer ield,fencing,spectatorseating,apressboxandtrackand ieldequipment.By2010,withthesupportofnumerousgenerousdonorstothecapitalcampaign,mostofthe ieldwascompletewiththeexceptionofthetrackandspectatorseating.

In2011,aspecialcommitteewasformedtospeci icallyfocusonraisingfundstocompletethetrack.Itwasestimatedthatthe irstphaseoftheprojectwouldcost$600,000.Ananonymousdonorgaveamatchingcontributionof$100,000.Faculty,staff,students’families,alumniandmembersofthecommunitywerechallengedtocontributegiftstototal$100,000andmatchthedonation.Theremaining$400,000wasgenerouslydonatedbytheBuengerFoundation.


24

TheCottingSchool‐Lexington,MA

ThewordchallengeisalltoofamiliartothestudentsoftheCottingSchool.Eachofthe120studentsofthisLexington,MAschoolhasacomplexmedicalconditionandisworkingtoovercomeabroadspectrumoflearningandcommunicationdisabilitiesaswellphysicalchallenges.Childrenandyoungadultsages3‐22yearsofagetraveltothecampusfrom74citiesinMassachusettsandsouthernNewHampshire.Foundedin1893inBoston,theschoolrelocatedtoa14‐acrecampusinLexingtonandconstructedafullyaccessiblebuilding.Thegroundsincludedagrass

playing ieldandaplaygroundwithwoodmulchin ill.Bothoutdoorplay‐spacespresenteddif icultiesforstudentswhousewheelchairs,walkersorotherassistivemobilitydevices.Thesestudentswerethenlefttoplaysoccer,trackorbaseballontheasphaltparkinglot.

Students,faculty,staffandalumnidreamedofasyntheticturf ieldandplaygroundsurfacethatwasfullyaccessibletoallofitsstudents.Toachievethisdream,$350,000wouldneedtoberaised.Forabouteightyears,theyhadbeensharingtheirdreamofoutdoorathleticaccessibilitywithjustaboutanyonethatwouldlisten.Abrochurewascreatedtode inethescopeoftheprojectandinspiredonorswiththeschool’smissiontoempowertheirstudentstoachievethegreatestleveloflearningandindependencepossible.Schoolof icialsinvitedtheheadsoffoundationstotheircampusbutwererepeatedlyturneddownforfunding.

“Someorganizationsweapproachedlookedatthesizeofourschool,120students,asanindicationthattheirdonationwouldnotmakeabigimpact,”saidElizabethPeters,DirectorofAdvancement.“Butnootherschoolinthisareadoeswhatwedo.”

However,alandscapearchitectandenvironmentalspecialistagreedtooffertheirservicesprobono.Meanwhile,Cotting’sadaptivephysicaleducationteacher,physicaltherapist,andpresidenttestednumerous ieldsandplaygroundswithvarioustypesofwheelchairsandassistivedevicesforaccessibility.

Afterfouryears,thepermittingprocesswascompleteandtheCottingSchoolwasgiventhegreenlighttobeginof icialfundraising.Alongtimeathleticsupportercameforwardandoffereda$100,000challengegift.Whilemakingplanstohostseveralfundraisingevents,amatchinggiftwasgenerouslypresentedbyastudent’sfamily.Thisleft$150,000toberaisedbyparents,alumniandthecommunityatlarge.Theneedforhelpspreadthroughwordofmouthanddonationsofallsizesbegantotricklein.Throughoutthefundraisingprocess,theCottingSchool’sBoardofDirectorsofferedguidanceandunwaveringsupport.Studentsnowenjoyasyntheticturfplaying ieldandfullyaccessibleplaygroundthankstothegenerosityoftheirsupporters,parentsandmanyindividualsandorganizationsfromthecommunitiesinwhichtheylive.


25

VernonHillsHighSchool‐VernonHills,IL

Thequesttosecureanewsyntheticturf ieldfortheathletesofVernonHillsHighSchoolisapowerfulexampleofcommunitypartnerships.Locatedjust38milesnorthwestofChicago,theschoolopeneditsdoorsin2000.Theconstructionoftheschoolincludedanathleticstadiumwithagrass ield,whichisusedprimarilybythefootballteam,girls’andboys’soccerteamsaswellasgirls’andboys’lacrosseteams.Schoolof icialshavefacedmanychallengesinmaintainingthegrass ieldfortheseteams.Alackofdrainageoftencreatesamuddymessforathletesandinterfereswithpracticesandgames.Repairandrecoveryofthegrass ieldalsopresentedproblemswhenitcon lictedwithateams’needfortheield.

Overthelastyear,schoolof icialsandsupportersformedProjectTurf,anof icialfundraisingcampaigntosecureanewsyntheticturf ieldforVernonHillsHighSchool.ProjectTurfisdirectedbytheeffortsofawell‐knowncommunityleaderandasupportivecommittee.Alinkwasaddedtotheschool’swebsitetoprovideinformationaboutthecampaignandhowindividualsandbusinessescancontribute.

Thefundraisingeffortshavebeenverysuccessfulduetothecooperationseveralcommunityentities.Replacementofthe ieldcoincideswiththeschooldistrict’scapitalplanwhichwasscheduledforreplacementin2012.Therefore,theschooldistrictcontributed$300,000toProjectTurf.Theparkdistrictdonated$100,000inexchangeforuseofthe ieldon24Sundaysthroughouttheyear.Environmentalof icialsfromtheVillageofVernonHillsarecontributingin‐kindwithguidanceondrainageissues.

Luckily,thestudentathletesofVernonHillsHighSchoolarealsosupportedbytheCougarsAthleticBoosterscomprisedofparents,alumniandothercommunitymembers.Sincetheschool’sinception,theBoostershavebeenactivefundraisersfortheathleticprograms.Boostersdirectthesalesofconcessionsandspiritwearaswellasvolunteeractivities.LocalrestaurantshostedspecialnightsanddonatedaportionoftotalsalestoProjectTurfefforts.Atotalof$290,000hasbeenraisedthroughprivatefundraising.ThecampaignwillcontinueuntilProjectTurfiscompleted.

http://vhhscougars.org/project-turf


SyntheticTurfCouncil400GalleriaParkway,Suite1500

Atlanta,GA30339Phone:678.385.6720|Fax:678.385.6501

www.syntheticturfcouncil.org

OnlineBuyer’sGuideandMemberDirectorywww.stc.of icialbuyersguide.net

Attracting Funding Support for a Synthetic Turf Field 4-12 · Local Support for a Synthetic Turf...

Documents

Transcript of Attracting Funding Support for a Synthetic Turf Field 4-12 · Local Support for a Synthetic Turf...