Champions Field breaks ground for synthetic turf
Tuesday, May 25, 2021 10:27 PM
Ground was broken Monday for the installation of the new synthetic turf field at Stadium Park. Students from Jefferson and St. John’s, members of Champions Field Inc. and Hellas celebrated start of the project. (DHI Media/Joe Dray)
DELPHOS — The synthetic turf project is underway at the football stadium.
Members of Champions Field Inc., Jefferson and St. John’s schools and Hellas Construction kicked off the project Monday morning at Stadium Park.
“We are excited to get this project going and are looking forward to opening on the new field the weekend of Aug. 13 and 14 with our home soccer and football teams playing and the whole community coming together,” Todd Schulte of Champions Field said.
Hellas will build the turf system with Matrix Turf and Cushdrain system. Eco Nailer was chosen for nailer board used in the turf installation process.
Matrix Helix Turf has shape memory technology that bounces back more quickly from use and the Cushdrain underlay improves drainage of the field, minimizing downtime caused by heavy rains and remains resistant to rot, mildew, water freeze-thaw and compression set associated with athletic field use. Cushdrain also increases the longevity of the field, provides less recovery time, saves on wear and tear on the knees of athletes and helps reduce the likelihood of a concussion.
Schulte has heard concerns about the funding for the project for now and in the future. The project is estimated to cost nearly $953,000. Champions Field had raised nearly all that cost by early 2021.
“This turf project by no means is asking for any money from our taxpayers in the city of Delphos or either of the schools for that matter. All the money has come from private donations from businesses, individuals and corporations that think it’s a great idea to move forward with the project,” Schulte said. “We will continue to fundraise and will have the replacement cost covered well before it’ll be needed.”
Schulte said the new field will actually save the city money.
“There will be no more upkeep of the field for the city, Schulte said. “It’ll need swept once a week and maybe some debris blown off of it and we’ll have someone take care of that,” he added. “High schools are putting in synthetic fields and seeing a savings of almost $20,000 a year on maintenance costs.”
Schulte also addressed injuries on a synthetic field versus a natural grass field.
“With all the research and latest technology, the rate of injury is no higher than playing on a grass field,” he said. “”Actually, through Hellas with the pad we’re using underneath it will play closer to a grass field than some of the other fields in the area.”
City council is in the middle of readings of legislation approving the leasing of the football to Champions Field for 20 years.
Champions Field also includes Jefferson High School physical education instructor and Athletic Director Kent Smelser, St. John’s High School Principal Adam Lee and Jefferson football coach Ben Rahrig.
