05 2016

FieldTurf’s Duraspine fields have been a worthwhile investment, Northeast Ohio football coaches and administrators say

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The artificial-field producer FieldTurf sold more than 1,000 fields to U.S. towns, schools and teams after its executives knew they were falling apart faster than expected and might not live up to lofty marketing claims, NJ.com reported in an investigation published Sunday.

However, Northeast Ohio football coaches and administrators contacted by cleveland.com last week they have not had those problems with the turf known as Duraspine.

Area coaches and administrators reached by cleveland.com said they have generally been pleased with the fields they purchased from FieldTurf:

Avon football coach Mike Elder: “I’m a big fan of turf, it worked out well. We just had an issue with the microfiber and the blades of grass were splitting at the ends and fraying off after seven or eight years.”
Elder pointed that Avon did have some drainage issues, but that was not the cause of the turf company. He said there was no fading. Avon’s turf was replaced after seven years after being installed in July 2007.
Brecksville-Broadview Heights football coach Jason Black: “Our turf is wonderful. I love it. No problems with the tearing. We maintain it very well and it's a real prized jewel outside of our possession.”
- That turf was replaced in 2015 after being installed in 2006.
Copley-Fairlawn City Schools business manager Steven E. Robinson: “We have had good experience with the field. Routine maintenance only. We groom the field every four to six weeks and have it deep-cleaned and compaction-tested every year.”
- The field was installed in 2008.
Cuyahoga Heights football coach Al Martin: “As it gets older it gets matted down, but it’s still in good condition, no color change, nothing at all.”
- That field was installed in August 2008.
Perry football coach Matthew Rosati: “Overall our experiences has been good. Over 10 or 11 years old, it's handled pretty well . . . it drains well and we can’t complain. It’s in decent shape.”
- Perry's turf was installed in July 2005.