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Home My WebLink About8.5 Fallon Sports Prk Phase1 CITY CLERK File # D[!][ZJ[Q]-~[Q] AGENDA STATEMENT CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: March 4, 2008 SUBJECT: ATTACHMENTS: RECOMMENDATION: ~ ~. FINANCIAL STATEMENT: Fallon Sports Park Phase I Design Report by Rosemary Alex, Parks & Facilities Development Coordinator 1) Original Master Plan 2) Phase I Area Diagram 3) Preferred Scheme 4) Aerial and Perspective Images 5) Synthetic Turf Study 1) Receive presentation from Staff and Consultant 2) Receive public comment 3) Approve Preferred Scheme for Fallon Sports Park Phase I and authorize Consultant to proceed with preparation of construction documents or provide alternate recommendations 4) Determine soccer field surfacing preference. 5) If synthetic turf is preferred, provide direction on how the funding shortfall should be addressed. The available budget for improvements is $11,497,976 and is funded from Public Facility Fees. The preliminary cost estimates range from $11,449,462 (natural turf) to $12,619,462 (synthetic turf). The estimated cost difference of $1,121,486 for synthetic turf is unfunded unless the City Council utilizes a portion of the FY 2006- 2007 Year End Surplus to fund the improvements. Project elements not included in estimate are the little league batting cage ($50,000) and shade structure at soccer fields ($35,000). These elements are proposed to be bid as alternates. COPY TO: Carducci and Associates/PCSC/Public Meeting Attendees Page 1 of 3 g.5 ITEM NO. G:\COUNCIL\Agenda Statements\2008\3-4 Fallon Sports Park Phase I.doc ~ DESCRIPTION: On June 7, 2005 the Dublin City Council adopted the Fallon Sports Park Master Plan. The 60-acre site is immediately south of Fire Station #18 and is bounded by Fallon Road, Gleason Drive, Lockhart Street and Central Parkway. The City's Five Year 2006-2011 Capital Improvement Program includes funding to begin design for the Phase I development in Fiscal Year 2007-2008 and construction to commence in Fiscal Year 2008-2009. Phase I encompasses approximately 27 acres and includes the following primary elements: two 60' little league fields; two lighted softball fields; four lighted basketball courts; four lighted tennis courts; two lighted soccer fields; parking area; three restrooms; concession spaces; and rough grading for BMX facility. Two public workshops were held to receive input on the Phase I design. At the first meeting, the City's consultants Carducci and Associates presented the information on the approved Master Plan and solicited comments from the thirteen in attendance. Based on comments received from the first workshop the City's consultants proceeded to revise the design as shown in the Preferred Scheme (Attachment #3) to accommodate a majority ofthe comments received. The Preferred Scheme was then presented at a second public workshop and was well received by those in attendance; PREFERRED SCHEME: The preferred scheme retains all of the original primary elements of the Master Plan with some minor revisions to the layout to address circulation and some modifications to specific components. The changes are as follows: . Reconfiguration of space between little league fields Addition of batting cage, skinned infield, domed backstops and space for storage Revised location for drop-off for improved access to soccer fields Space for shade at soccer Pedestrian access from Fallon Road . . . . As part of the design process it was requested to include a small play area for children in Phase I. In evaluating the site the City's Consultant considered the space between the two little league fields. However, in respect to the proximity of foul balls, it is not recommended that a play structure be located in that space. The space between the little league fields has been reconfigured with irregular mounds of turf grass that will be suitable for informal play. For reference, a large play area is shown as part of a future phase development and is approximately 300' from the main entrance to the little league fields. SYNTHETIC TURF STUDY: One of the 2007-2008 High Priority City Council Goals was to report on feasibility of artificial turf fields at the Fallon Sports Park. The adopted Fallon Sports Park Master Plan identifies synthetic turf fields as a potential alternate and the budget for Phase I does not include funding for synthetic turf fields. At the June 28, 2007 Budget Hearing, the City Council tentatively set aside $1.0 million of the estimated year end surplus for synthetic turf fields pending th,e outcome of the 2006-2007 Year End Audit (See Fiscal Year 200612007 Audit Report Agenda Item) and the outcome of the feasibility study. The Synthetic Turf Study is included in Attachment #5. The report explains the advantages, disadvantages and costs of installing synthetic turf versus natural turf. In comparing synthetic turf versus natural turf, the report evaluates construction and maintenance costs as well as factoring in the amount of use each field could sustain. Typically natural turf sports fields can sustain 700 hours of use per year whereas the synthetic turf field can be used up to 3,000 hours per year (per the manufacturers' warranty). 02~3 As shown in Section 7.0 of the report, based on an 8-year life cycle, the annual cost per year for a synthetic turf field is higher than a natural turf field ($193,500/year for synthetic versus $121,000/year for natural turf). However, because a synthetic turf field can withstand up to four times the amount of use than a natural turf field, the cost per hour for use is less ($66/hour for synthetic turf versus $173/hour for natural turf). Staff would like to point out, however, that the cost per hour was based on 3,000 hours of use for a synthetic field. At this time, it is difficult to gauge whether that use would materialize. A more conservative approach would be to use 900-1200 hours per year which Staff believes is more realistic based on current use of an adult regulation size field over the course of 12 months per year as opposed to 9 months per year (turf fields are closed from December through February annually). Using this number of hours, the cost per hour for use ranges from $161 - $215 for a synthetic turf field versus $173 per hour for a natural turf field. PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE: The budget for the Phase I improvements is $11,497,976 and is funded from Public Facility Fees. The preliminary cost estimate prepared by the City's consultant for the Preferred Option based on natural turf fields is $11,449,462. The incremental additional cost for two synthetic turf soccer fields is $1,000,000. However, when the various contingencies are included, the cost increases to $1,170,000 for a total estimated cost of $12,619,462 for the Preferred Option. This leaves a budget shortfall of $1,121,486. One source of funding that the City Council could consider is the Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Year End Surplus. As indicated previously, the City Council tentatively set aside $1.0 million of the estimated surplus for synthetic turf fields from the projected surpluses for Fiscal Year 2006-2007 and 2007-2008. The City Council could appropriate these funds for the Phase I improvements. That would leave a shortfall of $121,486. However, Staff would like to point out that the preliminary cost estimate is a design level estimate. It may be possible to implement minor modifications to the design that will not affect the integrity of the project in order to cover the remaining shortfall. Additional project elements not included in the estimate are the little league batting cage ($50,000) and shade structure at the soccer fields ($35,000). These were two elements that were not included in the original master plan that were identified as high priorities at the public workshops. Staff proposes to bid these two elements as alternates. In conclusion, on February 14, 2008 the Preferred Scheme along with the report The Synthetic Turf Option was presented to the Parks and Community Services Commission. The Commission unanimously recommended that the City Council approve both the Preferred Scheme and the synthetic turf for the two soccer fields. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council receive the presentation from Staff and the Consultant, receive public comment and take the following action: 1. Approve Preferred Scheme for Fallon Sports Park Phase I and authorize Consultant to proceed with preparation of construction documents or provide alternate recommendations; 2. Determine soccer field surfacing preference; 3. If synthetic turf is preferred, provide direction on how the funding shortfall should be addressed. J~3 / v , I } f. ~ f ~ e ~t , ' .'\ I :71 iI'~ I ~. ',~ ",. rUTUU MUIlI 'AMILY HOMU . t r " o 80 160 2.(0 @ FUTURe'IIVATt' OIfN S'ACI "IU ~ ~ IJ I: 'UTUU MEDIUM OINS.TY IUfDINTIAl u CONNI!C'TION ~.,O 'UTUU NllGHaOIHOOO !QU....f ~ r PHASING CONCEPT fOLLOW ROAD DEVElOPMENT \ PROVIDE A VARIETY Of fACILITIES AND USES '. BUILD LIGHTED FiElDS AND COURTS fiRST TO INCREASE l USABIlITY . PROVIDE TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION ACCESS Off fALLON \ ROAD fOR SUBSEQUENT PHASE DEVELOPMENT \ ROAD AND STREAM CORRIDOR . ,);... ~:Iia. 'f',-r,r',,,\"'\"\ lIt"i'll Jr ~. ~~~.: .. 'f;;f~";'~':'$:"~\ ~~ \\. ,~ \, ~ '"\ ..~Tj~~ ,.,. '.... , ~lAL~~ON S"PotRTS PA'R-K.~ n If rn PHASING ;Z9;JcX-~ DIAGRAM ~ ~ ~ o ':l '<,~ " :f .1 r , 'PHASE 1 VEHICULAR ENTRANCE AT LOCKHART PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE TWO LITTlE LEAGUE fiELDS WITH ASSOCIATED PLAZA, PICNIC, AND RESTROOM/CONCESSION TWO LIGHTED SOfTBALL fiElDS WITH ASSOCIATED PLAZA, PICNIC, AND RESTROOM/CONCESSION fOUR LIGHTED TENNIS COURTS fOUR LIGHTED BASKETBAlL COURTS TWO LIGHTED NATURAL TURf SOCCER fiElDS WITH SYNTHETIC TURf (OPTIONAL) ART LOCATIONS UPPER TERRACE PARKING LOT UPPER TERRACE LOOP WALKING TRAIL 'AUIOINTlTY fUTUIf& NEIGHIOIHOOO CONNECrlON .... ... ... d- ROUGH GRADING IN PHASE I .... Q< <of :z: ~ l.J o . COMPLETE UPPER AND toWER TERRACE ~ '411( lDINTlTY ,u,ruu & NEIGHIOIHOOO CONNICTION I' ~ o 100 200 300 @ ATTACHMENT 2 ~~"'ili,tlrJL""1~ ~?,!t;~\ P H~ts E ~ l ,~-_ ~ f '" j j lOW" ,..~'. t, , I fi.' I /;'/ I ' ,/ , I ,I I I I I i I': I I l I I I I '1/ / III 1/ I I. I! . / I I I l 4~=<~ ; I I // \ _I \ I .....................j \\ .5 o;f cQa( 01d.,) 8 OJ 02"<' THE SYNTHETIC TURF OPTION The Turf Report: An Analysis of Synthetic Turf and Natural Turf For Use at Fallon Sports Park Dublin, California Prepared for The City of Dublin Parks and Community Services Department Prepared by William E. Fee ASlA AICP Carducci & Associates, Inc. landscape Architeds & Planners San Francisco, CA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY REPORT March 4, 2008 Copyright @ 2008 Carducci & Associates, Inc. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 'q 10<-<- 1.0 INTRODUCTION This report is to assist the City of Dublin in deciding on the option of synthetic turf surfacing for the two soccer fields that are proposed for the Phase 1 Development at Fallon Sports Park in Dublin, California. In June 2006, the Dublin City Council adopted the master plan for the 60-acre Fallon Sports Park. Phase 1 includes development of approximately 26 acres and the following facilities: 2 Little League fields 2 softball fields with sports lighting 2 soccer fields with sports lighting (optional synthetic turf) Basketball and tennis courts with sports lighting Walking, hiking and bicycle paths Parking and support facilities including restrooms, concessions, spectator areas, picnic areas, landscaping and irrigation with reclaimed water. Advocates, opponents, designers, engineers, academics, associa- tions, government agencies, scientists and manufacturers have written much on the subject of synthetic turf surfacing. This report includes information from a variety of sources and from experience in designing synthetic turf and natural turf fields in Northern California. This report focuses on synthetic turf as an alternative to natural turf and omits a direct discussion of the reasons to select one brand of synthetic turf over another. The following is paraphrased from a white paper prepared by John Amato, P. E., "Synthetic Turf Sports Fields and the Environment" to provide an overview of the factors to consider: Both natural turf and synthetic turf have their place in parks and athletic fields, depending on the situation. Natural turf is suitable in cases where the projected hours of use per week can be limited and where the appropriate level of mainte- nance can be applied. Using a natural turf sports field more than 20 to 24 hours per week will compact the soil and dam- age the turf. This equates to between 680 and 816 hours per year over a three-season window. Grass is a living thing and it can only sustain limited use without being destroyed. Natural turf should not be used during the rain or when wet. This damages the turf. Overuse of natural turf fields almost always creates hard non-uniform unsafe surfaces and a reduction in the overall quality of programs offered on that surface. Synthetic turf can be used approximately 3,000 hours a year; which is three to four times the use of a natural grass field. Because it is designed to be rapidly draining, play can take place in the rain and after the rain without damage to the turf. Synthetic turf fields are far more uniform and consistent than most natural turf fields and therefore are a safer surface to practice and compete on. In addition }hey are made of resilient materials, much like a children's playground should be, and provide a level of impact attenuation that is difficult CARDUCCI & ASSOCIATES, INC SAN fRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA THE SYNTHETIC TURF OPTION FALLON SPORTS PARK. DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA E X.l IO~~~ Polyethylene Fiber THE SYNTHETIC TURF OPTION FALLON SPORTS PARK - DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA EX-2 to obtain on hard overused natural turf fields. In the current generation of synthetic turf, the safety surface is located in the simulated grass and not below the turf as in earlier generations. This creates a natural turf-like texture much like natural turf grown in a soil. From a use standpoint these infill synthetic surfaces can be used three to four times more than a natural grass field. To develop a natural grass spotts park that provides the use benefit of one synthetic turf field would require at least three natural turf spotts fields. Given that one field and the surrounding grading, safe zones, team areas and spectator areas takes up approximately three acres, then at least nine acres of natural grass fields would be required for the same net use as three acres of one synthetic field. (Amato, 2007) 2.0 DESCRIPTION OF SYNTHETIC TURF 2.1 Synthetic turf has improved in quality over the last four decades. The current and fourth generation of synthetic turf has vastly improved in softness, resiliency and shock absorption and has plC!ying characteristics similar to natural grass. 2.2 Synthetic turf is manufactured similar to a modem carpet. It is made from monofilament UV-stabilized polyethylene fibers tufted into a synthetic textile backing. The exposed fiber is about two inches long. The reverse side of the backing is coated with an emulsion to lock the tufted fibers in place. The backing is either needle-punched or the emulsion is scraped off between the tufts for drainage through the carpet. 2.3 The synthetic turf carpet sits atop a specially engineered, perme- able stone base and subsurface drainage system. 2.4 There are no American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) standards for the stone base beneath a synthetic turf system. The lack of a standard has resulted in installations with poor- quality gravel that is either hard to grade to desired tolerances or allows little drainage after compaction. (McNitt, 2007) 2.5 An alternate installation to the stone base includes a synthetic polypropylene underlayment panel system that is similar to the protective material that is used in helmets. 2.6 The synthetic turf carpet is filled with a mixture of crumb rubber and sand or just crumb rubber. The crumb rubber is recycled Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) from used automobile tires. The infill is placed in layers and the carpet is brushed so the fibers stand upright about one-half inch above the infill to mimic blades of mowed grass. Once the synthetic turf installation is complete it is checked for tolerances, irregularities, and surface hardness described as "Gmax." CARDUCCI & ASSOCIATES, INC SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA !I~.;(~ . 3.0 ADVANTAGES OF SYNTHETIC TURF 3.1 Quality Increased hours of use Water savings Year-round use All-weather play Decreased maintenance requirements Cost per hour of play is less Better-quality play experience in terms of uniformity, comfort, safety and performance Durability Multipurpose surface opportunity Reduced serious injuries No erosion or mud Cleaner uniforms 3.2 Fewer Serious Injuries A five-year prospective study compared game-related high school football injuries between the synthetic turf and natural grass playing surfaces. In the study, a total of eight Texas high schools were evaluated over five competitive seasons. Synthetic turf had higher incidence of zero-days time loss inju- ries, non-contact injuries, surface/epidermal injuries, muscle-re- lated trauma, and injuries during higher temperatures. Natural grass had higher incidence of 1-to-2-days time loss in- juries, 22+ days time loss injuries, head and neural trauma, and ligament injuries. (Michael C. Meyers, PhD, FACSM and Bill S. Barnhill, MD, 2004) In 2006, Jay H. Williams Ph.D., of the Department of Human Nu- trition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, prepared a paper entitled: How Safe Are the New Artificial Turf Fields? He reviewed the findings of independent studies of Eu- ropean soccer players and the NCAA Injury Surveillance System for the 2005 and 2006 seasons and reported: It appears that the potential and risk for injury is not in- creased for athletes playing on artificial turf fields compared to natural grass fields. The potential for head or lower limb injury is low and similar between artificial turf and natural grass fields. Some studies raise the possibility that artificial turf surfaces might actually reduce the risk of some types of injury. (Williams, 2006.) 3.3 Maintenance No erosion or mud No soggy soils No mowing No fertilizers No pesticides No herbicides CARDUCCI & ASSOCIATES, INC SAN fRANCISCO, CALIfORNIA Natural turf. Rossotti soccer field, PottoIa Valley, California Rates Synthetic turf Uvlng gra.. Total injury incidence 15.2 13.9 Minor injury 12.1 10.7 Subs1antial injury 1.9 1.3 Severe injury 1.1 1.9 Five-year prospective study with synthetic turf VB living grass. Natural turf multi-use field, Mills High Sc/19Ol. Mill- brae, Califrinia THE SYNTHETIC TURF OPTION FALLON SPORTS PARK. DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA EX-3 /e( !j ~o( 11-ton vibratory asphalt compactor compacting the top stone Mc1Vitt's test plots THE SYNTHETIC TURF OPTION FALLON SPORTS PARK. DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA EX-4 No re-sodding No overseeding No aerating No weeding No field rest or closure during rainy season Conserves water (also an environmental benefit) Less annual maintenance cost Permanent field markings require less labor and materials 3.4 Eight-year Warranty Quality and durability assurance Safety assurance Easily repairable Base likely to have longer life such as 20 to 30 years Insured warranties are available to provide protection to city 3.5 Environmental Eliminates use of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides Uses little water Does not require fossil fuel consumption for mowing Uses rubber tire waste Semipermeable due to its capacity to absorb water Some storm drainage storage capacity Some filtration of environmental pollutants Uses less PVC than natural turf because it does not require irrigation piping Most of the product is recyclable 4.0 DISADVANTAGES 4.1 Expensive In general a synthetic turf field costs about twice as much to construct as a natural turf field. 4.2 Surface temperature Synthetic turf fields warm up fast on clear sunny days and cool down rapidly when the sun is not shining. Athletes using syn- thetic fields on sunny days may experience high field surface temperatures (McNitt, 2007). High temperatures transfer heat from the surface to the sole of an athlete's foot, which can contribute to dehydration, heat exhaustion and bums (Forman, 2007). Some people suggest delaying activity if the field surface temperature is above 125 degrees F (STMA, 2007). Amador and Foothill High Schools in Pleasanton each have a 75,000-square-foot FieldTurf soccerlfootball field. The fields were installed in August 2000. Carducci & Associates tel- ephoned Lou Cesario, Athletic Director, to check on the effect of heat on the use of their fields. He said, "Ves, it gets hotter than natural turf; but it is not a big issue and not a problem during school hours; [we] have rarely or never watered the fields to cool them. Soccer league practices are in the morning when the air temperature is coo!." (The fields are almost eight years old and CARDUCCI & ASSOCIATES, INC SAN fRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA ~c:2~ the schools will replace both fields this summer with new syn- thetic turf.) Some organizations have installed irrigation systems to cool the surface temperatures. Irrigation may have a dramatic effect on surface temperature for a limited time and a limited effect over a longer time. During 2004 and 2005, Andy McNitt of Penn State evaluated the effect of irrigation on surface temperatures. The application of water significantly lowered the surface tempera- tures of all synthetic surfaces. The temperatures rebounded somewhat after 15 minutes and then remained relatively stable at an average 15 degrees F decrease in surface temperature for 200 minutes (McNitt, 2007). In the San Francisco Bay Area counties that are climatically influ- enced by the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean such as parts of Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties, it is not com- mon to water the fields to cool the surface temperatures of the fields. In the Central Valley counties such as Yolo, Sacramento and Placer, it is becoming common to include large pump-driven automated irrigation systems at the edges of the playing areas so that water can be applied to cool the fields as necessary. The inland parts of Contra Costa and Alameda counties have a transitional climate, partly marine cooling influenced and partly inland valley heat influenced. These climatic effects will likely af- fect the surface temperature of synthetic turf fields in Dublin. FieldTurf has provided air and field temperature data from vari- ous fields. The highest field surface temperature shown is 111 degrees F in San Lorenzo when the air temperature was 95 degrees F. Excerpted Bay Area locations are shown below. Amador High School Pleasanton, CA 4fl/02 94 Diablo Vista Parl< Danville, CA 817/02 93 San Jose City San Jose, CA 8/9/02 99 College Evergreen Valley San Jose, CA 8/9/02 97 College Foothill High School Pleasanton, CA 8/7/02 92 Laney College Oakland, CA 9/16/02 78 San Lorenzo Com- San Lorenzo, CA 8/9/02 95 munity Perl< Valley Christian San Jose, CA 8/9/02 97 School Hoover School Parl< Redwood City, CA 3/15/03 71 Alameda College Alameda, CA 3/15/03 72 Alameda COllege Alameda, CA 4/14/03 55 107 Sunny Dry 99 Sunny 111 Sunny 104 Sunny 106 Sunny 87 Sunny 111 Sunny 110 Sunny 70 Partly Sunny Recent Rain 72 Partly Sunny Recent Rain 57 Partly Cloudy Continues on next page CARDUCCI & ASSOCIATES, INC SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA THE SYNTHETIC TURF OPTION FALLON SPORTS PARK. DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA EX-5 !it -10202 &._. Fallon Sports Pari< Popup shade structure THE SYNTHETIC TURF OPTION FALLON SPORTS PARK. DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA EX-6 Franklin Square San Francisco, CA 12/3/03 57 55 Partly Cloudy Par1< Gellert Par1< Dely City, CA 11/26/03 55 62 Partly Cloudy Pillsburg High Piltsburg, CA 12/3/03 65 60 Partly Cloudy School Corbus Field Vallejo, CA 12/3/03 60 53 Partly Cloudy Milpitas High School Milpilas, CA 3/15/03 63 62 Partly Cloudy Mt. Eden Sports Hayward,CA 3/14/03 68 68 Cloudy Complex Youngblood Cole- San Francisco, CA 11/25/03 60 59 Cloudy man Par1< Freedom High Oakley, CA 11/18/03 63 57 Cloudy School Oakland Raiders Alameda, CA 8/9/02 79 85 Clear (evening, Practice Facility cooling down) Sen Mateo High San Mateo, CA 11/18/03 75 65 Clear (evening, School cooling down) Santa Clara Youth Santa Clara, CA 11/18/03 72 69 Clear (evening, Soccer Par1< cooling down) (FieldTurf, 2008) At Fallon Sports Park, if synthetic turf fields are used, it may be prudent to include space adjacent to the fields where athletes and spectators can take relief from the surface temperature of the synthetic turf field surface on sunny days. These respite areas could include water, permanent shade structures, tempo- rary "popup" shade structures, natural grass, trees, and places to sit and rest. A nearby restroom may also be beneficial to the athletes and spectators. 4.3 Health concerns The following is an excerpt from The Artificial Turf Fact Sheet, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 2008: Synthetic turf includes crumb rubber. Certain materials have been identified in crumb rubber, including: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Metals, such as zinc and iron Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Latex There are three possible ways that people might be exposed to the materials in crumb rubber: Accidentally ingesting small amounts of material by placing fingers in the mouth or not washing hands before eating after playing on the fields. Breathing in dust created from playing on the field or from vapors given off by the turf. Direct skin contact with the crumb rubber. In response to health concerns, several scientific research studies ca"ied out in the United States and Europe have examined the chemical composition of crumb rubber. These CARDUCCI & ASSOCIATES, INC SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA I~ ~ c2~ studies have assessed the potential exposures and health risks for people using turf fields. Based on these research findings, health risks are unlikely from exposure to the levels of chemicals found in synthetic turf. However, there are limi- tations to these studies and more research is needed. Many of the chemicals found in crumb rubber are very com- mon in the urban environment and people can be exposed to these chemicals from other sources, People can be exposed through normal daily activities including breathing air, eating food, and by getting dirt or dust on their skin. For example, rubber dust is created from the wear and tear of tires on roads and is a source of city air and soil pollution. PAHs come from the exhaust of engines, smoke from fires and cigarettes, dust-containing soot, urban soil and charbroiled foods. Gasoline, paint, building materials, trees and many other sources release VOCs into the air. (Artificial Turf Fact Sheet, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 2008) 4.4. May require fencing & concrete borders The synthetic turf fields may require fencing to control use and protect it from damage such as automobile access. Concrete or borders (like mow bands) are necessary to stabilize the edge of the turf and separate it from adjacent vegetation. This could be combined with adjacent paving. 4.5. Cost of turf disposal and replacement in 8 to 10 years There is a burden to dispose of or recycle and replace the turf carpet in approximately 8 to 10 years. The warranty is for 8 years and manufacturers are optimistic that the current genera- tion of synthetic turf using monofilament will last for 10 years. 4.6. Surface more abrasive than natural grass The monofilament fiber is slightly more abrasive than natural grass. It can lead to minor scrapes and burns. 4.7. Soccer ball rolls faster and farther on synthetic grass The synthetic grass is slicker and smoother than natural grass that can lead to the soccer ball travelling faster and farther. 4.8 Maintenance 4.8.1 8-year warranty The 8-year warranty requires financial stability to be enforceable. It does not warranty for damage due to fire (melting), vandalism, and damage to the base or base failure. 4.8.2 Need for regulations Need to prohibit and regulate presence of wheels, animals, smoking, barbecue, tent stakes, food, gum, sunflower seeds and beverages other than water. Fields need signs with references to relevant ordinances and permit requirements. The turf needs CARDUCCI & ASSOCIATES, INC SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA THE SYNTHETIC TURF OPTION FALLON SPORTS PARK - DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA EX-7 16102~ Synthetic turf field at Valley Christian Center; Dublin, California THE SYNTHETIC TURF OPTION FALLON SPORTS PARK - DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA EX-8 to be protected from fire because smoke from burning rubber is hazardous to health. 4.8.3 Need for debris removal Sunflower seeds are problematic; even if prohibited. Gary Hover from Redwood City said it is common to spend each day time, five days per week to remove debris; depending on the adja- cency of trees. On high school fields, Carducci & Associates has observed the players walking in line, the length of the field, to remove debris at the conclusion of team practices. 4.8.4. Need for potable water Requires some potable water to clean the field of bodily fluids. 4.9 Environmental Can contribute to urban heat island effect Materials are petroleum-based and require energy to manu- facture and transport Cannot capture carbon Mostly impermeable and can contribute to stormwater runoff Disposal/recycle burden when replacement is required CARDUCCI & ASSOCIATES, INC SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA f.7~ .l~ 5.0 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS The following table provides a summation of the disadvantages and advantages of both systems in a comparative format. 1<;';, ' , Yo '.' :;:;",' ," .\,.~" ~i~~~,CAt.~;I~Efi;'~?~':i ~t;<~.' ,~- ~ ..-, ~'- ~5' ~,>~, t~~ SYNTHETIC. TURF NATURAL GRASS DURABILITY High Low USEFULNESS 3,000 hours per year Can use during rain -700 hours per year Closed during rainy season SAFETY High Depends on quality of maintenance and wear SURFACE QUALITY High. Has 8 years of warranty. Soccer balls may roll faster and affect play compared to roll on natural grass. Depends on quality of maintenance and wear. Can vary from high-quality field to mud or natural dirt and dust. INSTAllATION COST More expensive Less expensive MAINTE,.A,.CECOST Less expensive More expensive REPLACEMENT COST More expensive. Comes with a burden to replace, recycle or dispose in 8 years. Less expensive COST PER HOUR OF USE (Over8-,ear period, See Page EX;-11 for Compara- tive Cost Anal,sls) Less expensive More expensive MANAGEMENT Requires regulations and prohibitions to protect the surface. Prohibitions include: No food, fires, barbe- cue, drinks, sunflower seeds, chewing gum, smoking, metal cleats and driving stakes. Also, it may require fencing to control access and use. Depends on use and adjacent leaf litter. Requires litter and debris removal, occasional grooming, some watering and annual tune-up. Less regulations and specialized restrictions re- quired. Some fencing may be required to keep balls on field. MAINTE,.ANCE PRACTICes Requi~es watering, mowing, fertilizing, spraying, aer- ating, turf repair, irrigation repair, litter removal, oc- casional field rest and closure for repairs and closure due to wet weather. CARDUCCI & ASSOCIATES, INC SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA THE SYNTHETIC TURF OPTION FALLON SPORTS PARK. DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA EX-9 /g 1cS1~ I;:~,~;:~:':'" '<',; N, \}j:~: f:;,::::~ , I~JBQNJj!I~~!f~~;':~,'~,~!i:~i SYNTHETIC TURF NATURAL GRASS l'Q;BI"., '." '" ",. h<~1fj fdj'!c~i,r;);'<" t ',~: ':,~ ";~:~~~'i~ EROSION AND SEDIMENT High High, if well maintained, CONTROL Source of erosion and sediment, if poorly maintained or overused , STORMWATER Filters stormwater Grass can absorb and filter stormwater. FILTRATION & VOLUME Quality of stormwater infiltration varies by soil type Surface drains rapidly to subsurface system, Some and quality of maintenance: clay soil has a very low detention is required to detain peak flow. water infiltration rate; sand soil has very high water infiltration rate. Highly compacted clay soils are impermeable and filtration is limited to grass blades, . thatch and roots, URBAN HEAT ISLAND Contributes to urban heat island effect similar to a Mitigates the urban heat island effect because it EFFECT parking lot because it absorbs and radiates heat. absorbs and transpires water, USE OF RECYCLED Uses crumb rubber from recycled tires Grass clippings can be left in place to self compost MATERIALS and add carbon to soil. CARBON Emits carbon due to synthetic manufacturing process Soil can absorb carbon if grass clippings are left in SEQUESTRATION and construction process. place. Maintenance equipment emits carbon to atmosphere, Maintenance equipment emits carbon to atmosphere. RADIANT HEAT Surface can be uncomfortably hotter than air tem- Surface likely to be cooler than air temperature on a perature on a sunny day, sunny day Use when surface temperature is 125 degrees is not recommended. HEALTH CONCERNS Some concern that Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Some concern that fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides, is toxic and polluting lawn mowers, recycled water and field paint are toxic and polluting WATER CONSUMPTION Uses less water. Uses more water. Uses potable water for occasional washing of body Uses recycled water for irrigation. fluids and cooling the synthetic surtace Uses potable water for occasional washing of body fluids. ENERGY CONSUMPTION Uses more energy to manufacture petroleum-based Uses more energy for mowing and pumping water for AND GREENHOUSE GAS materials and construct field. irrigation. EMISSIONS THE SYNTHETIC TURF OPTION FALLON SPORTS PARK. DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA EX-l0 CARDUCCI & ASSOCIATES, INC SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 19 :{,)J- 6.0 MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS OF SYNTHETIC TURF 6.1 Annual Inspection and testing with the ASTM F355 device to record the surface hardness (Gmax) of the field and verify that the field is safe and meets the warranty requirements. 6.2 Annual contract for grooming and topdressing with "Zamboni-like" machine once per year to maintain a safe and clean field. 6.3 As needed, sweeping, blowing of debris and trash removal de- pendent on adjacent conditions, wind and behavior of users. 6.4 As needed, rubber topdressing of wear spots. 6.5 As needed, potable water application to clean and cool field for safe use. 7.0 COMPARATIVE COST ANALYSIS The following tables compare the costs of one adult regulation natural turf field to one adult regulation synthetic turf field over an 8-yearlife cycle. 8-YEAR COST FOR 80,000 SF NATURAL TURF FIELD WI SAND DRAINAGE Based on maximum use of 700 hours per year, 2008 doUars UNIT ITEM COST UNIT QUANlITY COST Field Construction $5,50 SF 80,000 $440,000.00 Annual Maintenance $20,000.00 YEAR 8 $160,000.00 Renovate Field in 8 Years $320,000,00 ONCE 1 $320,000.00 Water Use (Recycled Water) $6,000,00 YEAR 8 $48,000,00 TOTAL 8-YEAR COST $968,000.00 COST PER YEAR ~ TOTAL 8-YEAR COST/8 YEARS $121,000.00 COST PER HOUR ~ COST PER YEAMOO HOURS $173 8-YEAR COST FOR 80,000 SF SYNTHE11C TURF AELD Based on maximum use of 3,000 hours per year, 2008 dollars UNIT ITEM COST UNIT QUANlITY COST Field Construction $11.75 SF 80,000 $940,000.00 Annual Maintenance $10,000,00 YEAR 8 $80,000,00 Renovate Field in 8 Years $6.50 SF 80,000 $520,000.00 Water Use (Potable water) $1,000,00 YEAR 8 $8,000.00 TOTAL 8-YEAR COST $1,548,000.00 COST PER YEAR ~ TOTAL 8-YEAR COSTI8 YEARS $183,500.00 COST PER HOUR ~ COST PER YEAR/3,000 HOURS $85 CARDUCCI & ASSOCIATES, INC SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA THE SYNTHETIC TURF OPTION FALLON SPORTS PARK - DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA EX-ll ~o !J,o<~, Natural turf soccer field, Emerald Glen Park, Dublin, Califomia Synthetic$OCO(lr anq softball field THE SYNTHETIC TURF OPTION FALLON SPORTS PARK - DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA EX-12 7.1 Construction costs Construction costs are based on 2008 dollars and the Opinion of Cost for Fallon Sports Park, Phase 1, December 2007, prepared by Carducci & Associates. 7.2 Annual maintenance costs Annual maintenance costs for natural turf are based on the annual maintenance cost for the soccer field #4 at the Dublin Sports Grounds. Annual maintenance costs for synthetic turf are based on the $6,000 quote from Lemar Morrison, Turf Manager, San Francisco Recreation & Parks, (Morrisson, 2005) plus an allowance of $4,000 for an annual contract for grooming and topdressing. The cost of recycled water is based on water use at the Dublin Sports Grounds and Emerald Glen Park from July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007. 7.3 Annual hours of use Annual hours of natural turf use are based on the City of Dublin 2007 Facility Usage Reports for hours of use of soccer field #4 at the Dublin Sports Grounds and the Emerald Glen Park soccer fields #2, #3 and #4 as follows: Soccer field #4 at the Dublin Sports Grounds: 675 hours of use Soccer field #2 at Emerald Glen Park: 620 hours of use Soccer fields #3 and #4 at Emerald Glen Park: 650 hours of use (including cricket use which involves both soccer fields). In addition, assume 25 to 80 additional hours of unscheduled use for an average basis of 700 hours per year. In general the City's sports fields are available for rental from 8:00A.M. to 10:00 P.M., March 1 through December 15, with additional sports fields open for rental during the winter based on clement weather and turf conditions. Annual hours of synthetic turf use are based on a sample warranty from FieldTurf allowing 3,000 hours of annual use (FieldTurf, 2008). It is unknown whether actual use would total 3,000 hours per year. 7.4 Basis of life cycle The life cycle analysis of each surface includes the natural turf field renovation and synthetic turf field replacement in eight years, equal to the life of the synthetic turf warranty. Based on an eight-year life cycle, including initial construction, maintenance and water, the resulting analysis shows the cost of the synthetic turf field to be more expensive, however it is three to four times more usable which reduces the cost per hour of use to be about a third of the cost per hour of use of natural turf. CARDUCCI & ASSOCIATES, INC SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA ;2-1 ~;)J- 8.0 CONCLUSION The major differences between the two surfaces: A natural turf field can sustain about 700 hours of use per year and a synthetic turf field can accommodate 3,000 hours of use per year. It would require about three natural turf soccer fields to accommodate the use that can occur on one synthetic turf field. Natural turf will likely be cooler than synthetic turf on a hot sunny day. The exposure to excessive heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaust and turf burns. Turf burns can create open wounds that may be a risk factor for infections. Natural turf consumes more water than synthetic turf. The long-term cost per hour of a synthetic turf field is less than a natural turf field. A high quality synthetic turf field requires less maintenance than a high quality turfgrass field. The resources not used to maintain synthetic turf fields can be applied to provid- ing a higher level of maintenance to natural turf fields. Natural turf fields are closed in the winter due to wet soils. Syn- thetic turf fields are playable in the rain. The synthetic turf fields can be used while the natural turf fields are closed. The current generation of synthetic turf has a record of less seri- ous injuries than natural turf for body contact sports. The unanswered health and environmental questions related to crumb rubber warrant further study by public health agencies. Debates in the northeast United States may lead to studies that may provide better data.. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse health effects due to the use of synthetic turf fields. The health and environmental issues related to crumb rubber might be long-term issues and not acute or easily recognizable issues. The synthetic turf may require more fencing and regulations than a natural turf field. The major similarities of the two surfaces: The quantity of stormwater from a synthetic turf field may be similar to the quantity of stormwater from a natural turf field. The very low soil infiltration rate of approximately per hour of the clay soil at Fallon Sports Park and the soil compaction that results from soccer players may likely result in impermeable soil condi- tions and little water infiltration from the natural turf soccer fields into the native soil. Either surface will require a drainage system to capture, detain and filter stormwater runoff. Quality of play experience is similar if the natural turf is well maintained and not overused. CARDUCCI & ASSOCIATES, INC SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA Natural turf THE SYNTHETIC TURF OPTION FALLON SPORTS PARK - DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA EX-13