Industry Press Room - Athletic Business

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Watkins Acquires American Hydrotherapy Systems

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Watkins Manufacturing

Vista, Calif. — Watkins Manufacturing, leading maker of hot tubs worldwide, announces the acquisition of the assets of American Hydrotherapy Systems (AHS), manufacturer of Freeflow Spas® and a leader in the rotationally molded spa and business category. With the purchase of Ontario, California-based AHS, Watkins adds roto-molded Freeflow Spas to its portfolio of premium Watkins spa brands that includes Caldera® Spas and HotSpring® Spas, the world’s number one selling brand. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“The addition of Freeflow Spas to our family of quality hot tub brands fits perfectly with our consumer strategy to deliver the right products to the right markets at the right prices,” says Steve Hammock, President of Watkins Manufacturing. “We want our Watkins-brand retailers, whenever possible, to be a one-stop-shop in fulfilling the hot water relaxation needs of today’s discriminating consumer. Integrating this quality selection of Freeflow Spas products into our retail offering will allow shoppers to get the hot tub they want from us, whether they choose an entry level model or the most premium spa.”

“Our business was not ‘overtly for sale’ but Watkins presented us with an interesting opportunity we simply had to consider,” explains Bob Gawlik, general manager, American Hydrotherapy Systems. “Over the years, many other companies have approached us. But Watkins, an icon in our industry, was the first suitor that we believed would perpetuate what we have worked so hard to build in a manner we think will honor the company’s values.” “Over the years, we’ve been very impressed with the product offering developed by, and the integrity of, the AHS team,” says Hammock. Over the next several quarters, the AHS business will transition to Watkins worldwide headquarters in Vista, California. “Watkins celebrated the manufacture of our one-millionth hot tub in September 2011, and together with this strategic acquisition of AHS we believe we are positioned for continued growth in the future,” adds Hammock.

About Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
Watkins Manufacturing was established in 1977, in Vista, California. They are the world’s largest manufacturer of hot tubs, including Hot Spring® Spas, Limelight® Hot Tubs, Hot Spot® Spas and Caldera® Spas. The Watkins Dealer network extends into all 50 states and over 60 countries. Watkins is a division of Masco Corporation, a Fortune 500 company whose products include Delta® Faucets, KraftMaid® Cabinets, and Behr® paint.

Posted At 10:26 AM • Comments (1)

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Brock International Helps Create Sustainable Playing Fields at Battery Park City

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Brock International

Battery Park City, N.Y. (December 13, 2011) – When the Battery Park City Authority decided to renovate its old grass ball fields that frequently turned to mud, they wanted to create an athletic field that benefitted the environment as much as players. The result is the country’s most sustainable playing field, which features Brock International’s Cradle to Cradle Certified^CM combined drainage and shock pad product as well as other noteworthy synthetic turf system components.

“We conducted a lifecycle analysis of the individual components of a synthetic turf system in order to maximize sustainability,” explained David Nardone, the Sport Group Leader- North America for Stantec, the globally-recognized architecture and planning firm that handled the project. “Brock’s recyclability and recycling program, coupled with their proven drainage and impact attenuation capabilities, made them the perfect choice for Battery City Park.”

The project involved numerous challenges. Converting a natural grass field to synthetic turf involved detailed planning. Construction took place right beside two residential tower construction projects. The lifecycle analysis evaluated longevity as well as field performance in determining the most sustainable components needed for the field. The Battery Park City Authority wanted to collect storm water from the field to hydrate the turf infill and water the surrounding landscape, so drainage needed to run very clean. In addition to selecting Brock’s shock pad and drainage layer, Stantec opted for recyclable polyethylene grass on the field and infill made of coconut husks.

Since the park opened in the late September, it has been well-received by the community. A record 1,200 children are enrolled in a parent-run soccer league that can now play and practice even in the rain.

Environmental stewardship is a core value for Brock international. In October 2011, Brock became the first company in the synthetic turf industry to have a Cradle to Cradle CertifiedCM Designation for its combined drainage and shock pad product. Offering the only product in the market that can be closed loop recycled, the company’s technologies reduce the overall energy cost of constructing a field by 50%. Made in an ISO and TS certified manufacturing facility of 100% recyclable and non-toxic material, Brock PowerBase is certified to the world’s most stringent environmental standards.

Brock PowerBase is a shock pad and drainage layer used beneath synthetic turf on athletic fields. It is manufactured into an interlocking panel system with the highest quality, food grade 100% pure polypropylene, known for its longevity and environmental safety. The panels can be easily removed, cleaned and begin their next life as a quality, durable material with minimal use of additional energy or waste. Alternatively, as a pure mono-component material, the panels can be easily recycled and remade into new Brock panels, eliminating the demand for new fossil fuels for this use. Unlike many industrial hybrid materials used by others, which include a mixture of components that are difficult or impossible to be salvaged after their current life, Brock PowerBase is a pure non-toxic product that can be used over and over again.

About Brock International
Brock International is the leader in performance base systems for synthetic turf. With over 20 million square feet of Brock Performance Base in play underneath athletic fields worldwide, the company engineers the best, safest and most sustainable playing surfaces in the world for athletes at all levels. Brock has handled hundreds of successful installations for clients ranging from NFL teams and major universities to community parks. Created to help improve the safety of synthetic turf, Brock plays a key role in preventing concussions. Scientific testing proves the product reduces the likelihood of traumatic brain injury by up to 50%, provides the same G-Max and playability as a pristine natural grass field and mitigates field hardening over time. Easy to use and install, Brock’s drainage systems have never failed and can be used with any brand of synthetic turf.

Posted At 11:44 AM • Comments (0)

Monday, December 12, 2011

Drowning Prevention Nonprofits Seek 'Lifesaver of the Year'

Posted by AB Editors

Source: National Drowning Prevention Alliance

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Dec. 12, 2011 -- The National Drowning
Prevention Alliance and USA Swimming Foundation are
co-sponsoring a national competition in search of the 2011
Lifesaver of the Year. The nomination period, originally set
to close on November 30, has been extended through December
16 in response to numerous requests.

"Most of the year we concentrate on the unacceptable number
of lives lost due to this preventable tragedy," said Kim
Burgess, NDPA executive director. "So it's wonderful to
focus on those whose heroic actions prevented a tragedy.
These inspiring stories will remind us all that one person
can make an enormous difference in the world."

Nominators should visit
http://www.facebook.com/NationalDrowningPreventionAlliance,
click the "Lifesaver of the Year" contest tab on the left
and upload a photo and essay about the nominee. The essay
should detail the nominee's heroism in a water-related
incident. Lifeguards, first responders or laypersons may be
nominated.

The winner will receive an all-expense paid trip for two to
San Diego, California, where he or she will be honored at
the 11th Annual National Drowning Prevention Symposium set
for March 7-10, 2012. For more information, or to register
for the symposium please visit http://www.NDPA.org.

NDPA and USA Swimming Foundation will select ten finalists.
Public voting will begin January 4, 2012 and votes will be
collected for one month.

ABOUT NATIONAL DROWNING PREVENTION ALLIANCE
The National Drowning Prevention Alliance is a
volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in
2004. NDPA members are dedicated to preventing drowning for
all age groups in all bodies of water through public
education, advocacy and strategic partnerships. The public
is invited to join by visiting http://www.ndpa.org.

ABOUT USA SWIMMING FOUNDATION
The USA Swimming Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm
of USA Swimming. Established in 2004, the Foundation works
to strengthen the sport by saving lives and building
champions. The Foundation aims to provide the wonderful
experience of Swimming to kids at all levels across the
country. For more information, please visit
http://www.swimfoundation.org.

Posted At 2:35 PM • Comments (3)

Thursday, December 08, 2011

National Swimming Pool Foundation® Awards Research Grants

Posted by AB Editors

Source: National Swimming Pool Foundation

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, December 8, 2011—Over the past seven years, the board of directors of the National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF) has given back over 4 million dollars to fund research to demonstrate health benefits and to reduce injury and disease in and around the water.

This year, the National Swimming Pool Foundation board has awarded four grants totaling $180,995. One health benefit grant was awarded to Utah State University and three injury prevention grants were awarded to University of Arizona, Purdue University, and the University North Carolina-Charlotte (UNCC). These grants will sustain ongoing research supported by NSPF in recent years and embark on new research. Industry partners Research Foundation for Health and Environmental Effects, a non-profit organization founded by the American Chemistry Council, and leading UV manufacturer, Engineered Treatment Systems LLC, donated to specific grants.

The board maintains its commitment to encourage increased aquatic activity through funding evidence-based research. “We refuse to allow the economy to deter us from promoting aquatics,” remarked Bill Kent, retiring Chairman of the NSPF Grant Review Committee. “The science eliminates the bad things and discovers the good things that show how getting in water benefits humankind,” he added.

Health Benefit Research - Osteoarthritis
According to the Arthritis Foundation, about 27 million people in the U.S. suffer from osteoarthritis (OA). At the recent World Aquatic Health ConferenceTM, researchers Dennis Dolny, Ph.D. (left) and Eadric Bressel, Ph.D., (right) Utah State University, reported on a two-year study funded by NSPF, pioneering the use of aquatic interval training for people with OA. “This is a significant study to establish guidelines for using an underwater treadmill to improve mobility and movement with less swelling and discomfort,” explained Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D., CEO of the National Swimming Pool Foundation. “Early results are encouraging, and we are optimistic that a larger statistical group will result in similar findings.” These researchers have been awarded a grant of $15,552 to continue to pursue this research as they examine the improvements in osteoarthritis sufferers.

Injury Prevention Grants
Several high-profile studies have suggested that exposure to aquatic environments may increase risk of asthma, cancer and other serious diseases. These studies often lack information on how the pools were managed and treated, and details of swimmer exposure. As a result, it is impossible to apply the findings to other pools or to reproduce and verify the studies. Kelly Reynolds, Ph.D., University of Arizona, has been awarded a grant of $65,459 to develop standardized questions that researchers can use when performing a health impact study. “Defining the problem is a big part of finding a solution,” commented Dr. Lachocki. “The more thorough the studies, the more impactful the solutions.” Non-profit Research Foundation for Health and Environmental Effects has partnered with the National Swimming Pool Foundation on this landmark project.

The NSPF is also funding work to understand and define the chemistry of disinfection byproduct (DBP) formation in chlorinated, indoor pools. Ernest Blatchley III, Ph.D., P.E., BCEE, Purdue University, was awarded a grant of $75,000 as the first step in a three-year program to research combined UV and chlorine swimming pool water disinfection methods. The research will examine the effects of combined treatment on water and air chemistry in chlorinated, indoor pool settings. The grant, managed and administered under the NSPF industrial research grants category, includes donations from the Research Foundation for Health and Environmental Effects and one leading UV manufacturer, Engineered Treatment Systems LLC. The goal of this work is to give industry, regulators, facility operators and management a better understanding of swimming pool disinfection byproduct chemistry and technology options for their control, including Cryptosporidium inactivation. In turn this information will be helpful in reducing human exposure to DBPs in recreational water facilities. Questions about this project should be directed to Professor Blatchley (blatch@purdue.edu).

Acute recreational water illnesses prevention also remains an important area of research. In September 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a 72 percent increase in outbreaks 2005-2006 versus the prior two-year period. This is a record number of outbreaks since the CDC began monitoring recreational water illness. Nearly half the outbreaks were caused by the parasite, Cryptosporidium (Crypto). Reversing this trend will require improvements in swimming pool disinfection and operation, pool regulations and enforcement, and swimmer hygiene. In recent years, James Amburgey, Ph.D., University of North Carolina-Charlotte (UNCC) through NSPF grants, has made significant advances in understanding pool water filtration and its impact on Crypto removal. Dr. Amburgey has been awarded a grant of $24,984 to create a bather load model and assess the impact of bather load on Cryptosporidium-sized microspheres.

In addition to research the NSPF has funded directly to Dr. Amburgey’s team, the foundation also manages and administers an industrial research grant studying filtration and removal of Crypto. Industrial research grants enable multiple organizations to partner to fund key projects. This specific industrial research grant may exceed $200,000, raised through industry donations. Dr. Amburgey has directed $25,000 of the grant to the CDC to assist in performing research. The goal of the research is to develop better product label instructions, standard operating procedures, and remediation strategies to reduce the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks.

Manufacturers of water clarifiers, filter aids, and advanced filter designs wishing to join the fight against Crypto outbreaks in pools should contact Dr. Amburgey directly at jeamburg@uncc.edu to explore whether testing their products would be beneficial.

Understanding and controlling the chemistry, microbiology, engineering and management will yield safer environments. “The better we understand the issues, the better we are positioned to ensure future growth,” said Dr. Lachocki. “The great news is anyone can help support this work by simply investing in their own knowledge with purchase of NSPF educational materials and programs,” he concluded.

Research results are reported at the annual World Aquatic Health Conference, next year in Norfolk, Virginia, October 10-12. Seminars from prior conferences are available online, on demand at www.nspf.org.

NSPF accepts grant, scholarship and fellowship applications annually by June 1, respectively. Complete guidelines for applying may be found at www.nspf.org or by calling Margaret Smith at 719-540-9119.

About NSPF
The National Swimming Pool Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1965, dedicated to improving public health worldwide and is the leading educator of aquatic facility operators and pool and spa professionals, and the chief philanthropic research sponsor in the aquatics field. NSPF works towards its mission to encourage healthier living by increasing aquatic activity through education and research with its growing collection of multi-lingual educational products, certification and training, and sponsors the annual World Aquatic HealthTM Conference, now in its 9th year.

Posted At 2:00 PM • Comments (19)

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

ASBA Honors Distinguished Sports Facilities

Posted by AB Editors

Source: ASBA

Ellicott City, MD – The American Sports Builders Association (ASBA), the national organization for builders, designers and suppliers of materials for athletic facilities, has announced the winners of its annual awards. Awards are presented each year to facilities built by ASBA members, which best exemplify construction excellence.

Awards are presented in various categories: Tennis Courts, Running Tracks, Sports Fields and Indoor Multi-Purpose Facilities. Within each category there are divisions; for example, the Tennis Court category recognizes facilities in Indoor, Residential and Outdoor divisions; additional honors were given in the 'Green' competition, for award-winning athletic facilities that used the most eco-friendly design, construction and operating techniques.

Presentation of award plaques was made at the Technical Meeting, recently held in Palm Desert, California. Projects are scored individually based on considerations such as layout and design, site work, drainage, base construction, surface, amenities, innovation and overall impression. Winning entries are those whose cumulative scores meet or exceed the standard. This year saw an unprecedented number of entries in the competition.

Winning projects are as follows:

Distinguished Tennis Facilities

RESIDENTIAL TENNIS FACILITIES
Berce Residence, Frankville, Wisconsin
New Construction: Munson, Inc. (Glendale, Wisconsin)
Dr. Bourne Residence, Salt Lake City, Utah
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Tennis and Track Company (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Butternut Hollow Residence Indoor Tennis Court, Greenwich, Connecticut
New Construction: Global Sports & Tennis Design Group, LLC
Fair Haven, New Jersey
Cohen Residence, Weston, Massachusetts
New Construction: Cape& Island Tennis & Track (Pocasset, Massachusetts)
Cox Residence, Ogden, Utah
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Tennis and Track Company (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Crossland/Kirkpatrick Residence, Napa, California
New Construction: Vintage Contractors, Inc. (San Francisco, California)
Gin Lane Residential Residence, Long Island, New York
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Global Sports & Tennis Design Group, LLC
Fair Haven, New Jersey
Gordon Residence, Boca Raton, Florida
New Construction: Fast-Dry Courts (Pompano Beach, Florida)
JJJ Ranch, Dawson, Texas
New Construction: Patriot Court Systems, Inc. (Houston, Texas)
Kirslis Residential Tennis Court, Norwell, Massachusetts
New Construction: Boston Tennis Court Construction Co., Inc. (Hanover, Massachusetts)
Private Residence, Glen Ellen, California
New Construction: Vintage Contractors, Inc. (San Francisco, California)
Private Residence, Miami Beach, Florida
New Construction: Fast-Dry Courts (Pompano Beach, Florida)
Roberts Residence, Wellesley, Massachusetts
New Construction: Cape& Island Tennis & Track (Pocasset, Massachusetts)
Richard Schmidt Residence, West Linn, Oregon
New Construction: Atlas Track & Tennis (Tualatin, Oregon)

OUTDOOR TENNIS FACILITIES
Berkshire School Tennis Facility, Sheffield, Massachusetts
New Construction: Cape& Island Tennis & Track, Pocasset, Massachusetts
Blackhawk School District Tennis Facility, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Vasco Sports Construction (Massillon, Ohio)
Boca Raton Tennis Center, Boca Raton, Florida
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. (Sun City, Florida)
Colorado State University Tennis Facility, Fort Collins, Colorado
New Construction: Renner Sports Surfaces, Inc. (Denver, Colorado)
Elkin Municipal Tennis Courts: Tom Gwyn Tennis Complex, Elkin, North Carolina
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Court One (Granite Quarry, North Carolina)
The Tennis Center at Fish Hawk Ranch, Valrico, Florida
New Construction: Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. (Sun City, Florida)
Florence Tennis Center, Florida, SC
New Construction: Talbot Tennis (Marietta, GA)
Goddard USD 265 Sports Complex, Goddard, Kansas
New Construction: Mid-America Courtworks (Wichita, Kansas)
Goodale Park, West Boylston, Massachusetts
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Warner Larson, Inc. (Boston, Massachusetts)
Hunt Logan Tennis Facility at Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, Connecticut
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Cape & Island Tennis & Track (Pocasset, Massachusetts)
New Orleans City Park/Pepsi Tennis Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
New Construction: American Tennis Courts, Inc. (Mobile, Alabama)
Polo Park Tennis Facility, Miami Beach, Florida
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Fast-Dry Courts (Pompano Beach, Florida)
Quarry Beach Club Tennis Center, Naples, Florida
New Construction: Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. (Sun City, Florida)

INDOOR TENNIS FACILITIES
Belle Meade Country Club, Nashville, Tennessee
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Baseline Sports Construction, LLC (Knoxville, Tennessee)

Distinguished Indoor Multi-Purpose Facilities
Boston University Track and Tennis Center, Boston, Massachusetts
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Beynon Sports Surfaces, Inc. (Hunt Valley, Maryland)
University of Findlay Koehler Fitness and Recreation Complex, Findlay, Ohio
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Kiefer Specialty Flooring, Inc. (Lindenhurst, Illinois)
Monroe 33 Tennis, Basketball & Sports Center, Monroe, New Jersey
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Global Sports & Tennis Design Group, LLC
Fair Haven, New Jersey
Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan
New Construction: GMB Architecture and Engineering (Holland, Michigan)

Distinguished Track Facilities

OUTDOOR RUNNING TRACK FACILITIES
Barnstable High School, Barnstable, Massachusetts
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Cape & Island Tennis & Track (Pocasset, Massachusetts)
Bishop Gorman High School, Las Vegas, Nevada
New Construction: Renner Sports Surfaces (Denver, Colorado)
Brandon High School Outdoor Track Facility, Ortonville, Michigan
New Construction: Foresite Design, Inc. (Berkley, Michigan)
Detroit Lakes High School, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Fisher Tracks, Inc. (Boone, Iowa)
Elkins High School, Fort Bend, Texas
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Fisher Tracks, Inc. (Boone, Iowa)
Harvard University - McCurdy Running Track, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Cape & Island Tennis & Track (Pocasset, Massachusetts)
Ken Hall Stadium at High Tower High School, Fort Bend, Texas
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Fisher Tracks, Inc. (Boone, Iowa)
Leopard Stadium - Outdoor Track, Gainesville, Texas
New Construction: Texas Sport Builders (Burleson, Texas)
North Reading High School, North Reading, Massachusetts
New Construction: Cape& Island Tennis & Track (Pocasset, Massachusetts)
Sisseton High School, Sisseton, South Dakota
New Construction: Fisher Tracks, Inc. (Boone, Iowa)
Spire Institute-The GaREAT Sports Complex Running Track, Geneva, Ohio
New Construction: Beynon Sports Surfaces (Hunt Valley, Maryland)
Swenson Field Athletic Complex, Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Gale Associates, Inc. (Weymouth, Massachusetts)
Tecumseh High School Outdoor Track Facility, Tecumseh, Michigan
New Construction: Foresite Design, Inc. (Berkley, Michigan)
Winnacunnet Regional High School, Hampton, New Hampshire
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Cape & Island Tennis (Pocassett, Massachusetts)

INDOOR TRACK FACILITY
Indoor Running Track at SPIRE Institute, Geneva, Ohio
New Construction: Beynon Sports Surfaces, Inc. (Hunt Valley, Maryland)

Distinguished Sports Fields

SINGLE FIELD FACILITIES
Alexander Gusdorf Eco-Park High Altitude Soccer Complex, Taos, New Mexico
New Construction: Living Designs Group Architects (Taos, New Mexico)
Avon Lake High School, Avon Lake, Ohio
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Vasco Sports Construction (Massillon, Ohio)
Brandon High School Synthetic Turf Football Facility, Ortonville, Michigan
New Construction: Foresite Design, Inc. (Berkley, Michigan)
Carrollton High School Synthetic Field, Carrollton, Georgia
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Sports Turf Company, Inc. (Whitesburg, Georgia)
Dearborn High School Synthetic Turf Multi-Purpose Facility, Dearborn, Michigan
New Construction: Foresite Design, Inc. (Berkley, Michigan)
Englemann Soccer Field at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Upgrade of Existing Facility: GRAEF (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Farrington Field, Fort Worth, Texas
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Paragon Sports Constructors, LLC (Fort Worth, Texas)
Gateway Regional High School, Woodbury Heights, New Jersey
Upgrade of Existing Facility: American Athletic Courts, Inc. (Vincentown, New Jersey)
Joliet Memorial Stadium - Field, Joliet, Illinois
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Kiefer Specialty Flooring, Inc. (Lindenhurst, Illinois)
Lake Shore High School Synthetic Turf Football Facility, St. Clair Shores, Michigan
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Foresite Design, Inc. (Berkley, Michigan)
LaVernia High School, La Vernia, Texas
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Texas Sport Builders (Burleson, Texas)
Napa Memorial Stadium, Napa, California
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Beals Alliance (Folsom, California)
Northeastern University Parsons Field, Brookline, Massachusetts
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Sasaki Associates, Inc. (Watertown, Massachusetts)
Oaks Christian High School, Westlake Village, California
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Hellas Construction, Inc. (Austin, Texas)
Pahrump Valley High School, Pahrump, Nevada
Upgrade of Existing Facility: UBU Sports (Atlanta, Georgia)
Pioneer Stadium at California State University East Bay, Hayward, California
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Verde Design, Inc. (Santa Clara, California)
Princeton Rays Baseball Stadium-Hunnicutt Field, Princeton, West Virginia
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Carolina Green Corp. (Indian Trail, North Carolina)
Santa Barbara City College-La Playa Stadium, Santa Barbara, California
Upgrade of Existing Facility: UBU Sports (Atlanta, Georgia)
Scottsdale Christian Academy, Phoenix, Arizona
Upgrade of Existing Facility: General Acrylics, Inc. (Phoenix, Arizona)
Softball Stadium Facility at Foothill College, Los Altos Hills, California
New Construction: Verde Design, Inc. (Santa Clara, California)
Soldiers Field Soccer/Lacrosse Stadium at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
New Construction: Stantec (Boston, Massachusetts)
Southern Methodist University-Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, Texas
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Texas Sport Builders (Burleson, Texas)
Sun Prairie Senior High School Varsity Baseball Field, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
New Construction: Rettler Corporation (Stevens Point, Wisconsin)
Taos Eco Park, Taos, New Mexico
New Construction: Lone Mountain Contracting, Inc. (Bosque Farms, New Mexico)
Tecumseh High School Synthetic Turf Athletic Facility, Tecumseh, Michigan
New Construction: Foresite Design, Inc. (Berkley, Michigan)
University of South Carolina - Gamecocks Carolina Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina
New Construction: Carolina Green Corp. (Indian Trail, North Carolina)
Vert Track, Soccer& Lacrosse Stadium at High Point University, High Point, North Carolina
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Medallion Athletic Products (Mooresville, North Carolina)

MULTI-FIELD FACILITIES
Dan Foley Sports Park, Vallejo, California
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Beals Alliance (Folsom, California)
Edsel Ford High School Athletic Facility,Dearborn, Michigan
New Construction: Foresite Design, Inc. (Berkley, Michigan)
George Washington High School,San Francisco, California
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Verde Design, Inc. (Santa Clara, California)
Grand Park, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
New Construction: Carolina Green Corp. (Indian Trail, North Carolina)
Las Vegas Sports Park-Soccer Facility, Las Vegas, Nevada
Upgrade of Existing Facility: UBU Sports (Atlanta, Georgia)
Leopard Stadium - Multi Field, Gainesville, Texas
New Construction: Texas Sport Builders (Burleson, Texas)
Manor ISD Main Stadium, Manor, Texas
New Construction: Texas Sports Builders (Burleson, Texas)
Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Sports Turf Company, Inc. (Whitesburg, Georgia)
Newton South High School, Newton, Massachusetts
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Gale Associates, Inc. (Weymouth, Massachusetts)
Northeast Recreational Field Complex at UNC Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina
New Construction: Medallion Athletic Products, Inc. (Mooresville, North Carolina)
Questa High School - Fields, Questa, New Mexico
New Construction: Lone Mountain Contracting, Inc. (Bosque Farms, New Mexico)
Rice Lake Area School District, Rice Lake, Wisconsin
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Rettler Corporation (Stevens Point, Wisconsin)
Riverside Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
Upgrade of Existing Facility: The Motz Group (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Shanahan Field at Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, Connecticut
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Milone & MacBroom, Inc.(Cheshire, Connecticut)
Smith River Sports Complex, Martinsville, Virginia
New Construction: Carolina Green Corp. (Indian Trail, North Carolina)
Stagg High School (Phase I), Stockton, California
New Construction: Verde Design, Inc. (Santa Clara, California)
Taos High School Athletic Field Complex, Taos, New Mexico
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Living Designs Group Architects (Taos, New Mexico)
Tuba City High School, Tuba City, Arizona
New Construction: General Acrylics, Inc. (Phoenix, Arizona)
Vestavia Hills Sports Park, Vestavia Hills, Alabama
New Construction: Covington Flooring Company, Inc. (Birmingham, Alabama)

Green Facility Award Winners
Alexander Gusdorf Eco-Park, High Altitude Soccer Complex, Taos, New Mexico
New Construction: Living Designs Group Architects (Taos, New Mexico)
Napa Memorial Stadium, Napa, California
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Beals Alliance (Folsom, California)
Riverside Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
Upgrade of Existing Facility: The Motz Group (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Soldiers Field Soccer/Lacrosse Stadium at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
New Construction: Stantec (Boston, Massachusetts)

Within each category, one facility was chosen from among all winning entries to represent the best of athletic facility construction. The winners were as follows:

TENNIS FACILITIES OF THE YEAR
RESIDENTIAL: Gordon Residence, Boca Raton, Florida
New Construction: Fast-Dry Courts (Pompano Beach, Florida)

OUTDOOR: Hunt Logan Tennis Facility at Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, Connecticut
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Cape & Island Tennis & Track (Pocasset, Massachusetts)

INDOOR:Indoor Tennis Courts at Belle Meade Country Club, Nashville, Tennessee
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Baseline Sports Construction, LLC (Knoxville, Tennessee)

INDOOR MULTI-PURPOSE FACILITY OF THE YEAR
University of Findlay - Koehler Fitness and Recreation Complex, Findlay, Ohio
Upgrade of Existing Facility: Kiefer Specialty Flooring, Inc. (Lindenhurst, Illinois)

TRACK FACILITIES OF THE YEAR

OUTDOOR: Spire Institute - The GaREAT Sports Complex Running Track, Geneva, Ohio
New Construction: Beynon Sports Surfaces (Hunt Valley, Maryland)

INDOOR: Indoor Running Track at SPIRE Institute, Geneva, Ohio
New Construction: Beynon Sports Surfaces, Inc. (Hunt Valley, Maryland)

SPORTS FIELD OF THE YEAR

SINGLE FIELD FACILITY: Softball Stadium Facility at Foothill College, Los Altos Hills, California
New Construction: Verde Design, Inc. (Santa Clara, California)

MULTI-FIELD FACILITY: Vestavia Hills Sports Park, Vestavia Hills, Alabama
New Construction: Covington Flooring Company, Inc. (Birmingham, Alabama)

GREEN FACILITY OF THE YEAR:
Alexander Gusdorf Eco-Park, High Altitude Soccer Complex, Taos, New Mexico
New Construction: Living Designs Group Architects (Taos, New Mexico)

The ASBA is a non-profit association helping designers, builders, owners, operators and users understand quality sports facility construction. The ASBA sponsors informative meetings, publishes newsletters, books and technical construction guidelines for both tennis courts and running tracks, and keeps its members aware of the latest developments in the industry. It also offers voluntary certification programs in tennis court, running track and sports fields construction. Available at no charge is a listing of all publications offered by the Association, as well as the ASBA’s Membership Directory.

Posted At 9:47 AM • Comments (0)

Monday, December 05, 2011

STC Releases Guidelines for Synthetic Turf Performance

Posted by AB Editors

Source: Synthetic Turf Council

Atlanta, GA – With the publication of its landmark Guidelines for Synthetic Turf Performance, the Synthetic Turf Council has provided objective measures that make it possible to better understand the quality and performance of multi-purpose synthetic sports systems during design, selection, after installation and throughout its useful life. This milestone marks the first time guidance has been provided for multi-purpose sports fields.

“This is a major development for the synthetic turf industry,” explains Rick Doyle, president of the Synthetic Turf Council. “Our voluntary guidelines help answer many questions from owners, buyers and specifiers about the performance of multi-purpose synthetic turf fields over time. “

These guidelines encourage periodic and voluntary testing to indicate the type of maintenance that should be implemented to maximize multi-purpose sports field performance. If a field is not performing within the desired range in critical test areas despite targeted maintenance, then the owner will know the field may soon need to be replaced.

The STC’s Guidelines for Synthetic Turf Performance were developed using input from STC member experiences and technical knowledge, ASTM standards, collaboration with FIFA, the international governing body for soccer, and a similar approach used by the International Rugby Board. While the ASTM standards provide useful information regarding product identification, turf fabric testing and g-max testing, STC identified opportunities for greater attention to sport performance testing, which are included in the document. Although these guidelines do not cover warranty information, it addresses key areas with durability and surface interaction testing.

Visit www.syntheticturfcouncil.org to access STC’s Performance Guidelines, technical standards and other helpful information. Consultants are invited to join the STC to obtain detailed support in fully understanding and utilizing this information on behalf of their clients.

About the Synthetic Turf Council
Based in Atlanta, the Synthetic Turf Council was founded in 2003 to promote the industry and to assist buyers and end users with the selection, use and maintenance of synthetic turf systems in sports field, golf, municipal parks, airports, landscape and residential applications. The organization is also a resource for current, credible, and independent research on the safety and environmental impact of synthetic turf. Membership includes builders, landscape architects, testing labs, maintenance providers, manufacturers, suppliers, installation contractors, infill material suppliers and other specialty service companies. For more information, visit www.syntheticturfcouncil.org.

Posted At 10:25 AM • Comments (0)