Union College News

Surf & Turf: Union’s New Turf Project is Live on the Web

A rendering of Union’s football field and walking track after installation of the turf system.

In summer, the only sound heard from the Union College football field is that of sneakers pounding pavement as walkers circle the surrounding track. This season, the din of heavy equipment will prevail as Union embarks on a project that will make it one of only a few small, private colleges in Kentucky to have synthetic turf.

Even if you aren’t close enough to hear it, you can see the transformation in progress live on Union’s website at www.unionky.edu.

The project will significantly alter the look of the area behind main campus. The existing athletic field will widen considerably, and both the field and walking track will be raised approximately 16 inches. The field, which will be used primarily for varsity football and soccer, will also be available for intramural athletics and special activities.

The star of the project is a new synthetic playing surface for the field, which will offer improved functionality and, over time, be a cost-efficient choice for the college.

Darin Wilson, Union College’s Director of Athletics, believes the new turf gives the school an edge in recruiting. “Athletes look at facilities when they’re making their decisions, and we know they often prefer turf. Many believe it’s softer and safer.”

Union’s Chief Financial Officer, Steve Hoskins, supports the project, which carries a price tag of approximately $750,000. “Our current field has drainage problems, poor soil, and can’t support Bermuda or other natural grass surfaces. Annually, we spend so much in terms of time, labor, and materials to keep the field in passable shape, that the decision to purchase turf was an easy one.”

Union College’s old football field and walking track are “under construction” in preparation for new synthetic turf.

Mr. Hoskins predicts that the projected cost of maintaining the current field over a ten-year period is nearly equal that of the cost of turf. And he and the rest of the college community are looking forward to the field—currently used only four to five times each year—being a more usable space. Union’s President, Edward D. de Rosset, sees it as a wise choice as well. “A synthetic turf field makes a lot of sense for Union. The project is all about health and wellness, stewardship of facilities and funds, cost control, athlete safety, and increased access to a prime sports and activities facility.”

Other sports, including baseball and softball, will utilize the field for practice. Plus, the surface will offer new opportunities for intramural sports. “It took so much work to keep the current field in shape for those four or five games, we had to restrict its use by other on- and off-campus groups,” says Mr. Wilson. Now, according to President de Rosset, “area groups will be able to apply, especially during the summers, to use the field for special activities and events.”

Fundraising is in full swing as Union seeks support for the project. The college will offer donors “bragging rights” to the portion of the field they help fund, giving the community a sense of ownership of the facility. Donors will also help make possible longer-term additions, including lighting, fencing, new flagpoles, ticket booths, landscaping, and a concession area.

For live footage of the turf project and to see the transformation in progress, go to www.unionky.edu and click on the turf icon. The camera will remain in place until the turf is installed and the project is complete.

August 9, 2007

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