Sustainable Athletic Turf Saves Money, Causes Less Injuries

Football Friday nights are back across Ohio. Fans scream for their favorite team and the feel of Fall is in the air.

Some school districts are turning to artificial turf for their athletic fields, which lasts longer and is recyclable.

"It only takes one really rainy night, for football especially, where you have cleats digging in the turf when it's wet. The field is not in good shape for weeks," said Dublin City Schools spokesman Doug Baker.

The Dublin School District made the decision to switch to artificial turf several years ago, reported ONN's Harrison Hove.

"No traditional fertilizer, there's no water needed. On a football field especially, but this is for soccer and lacrosse, there's no need to paint lines," Baker said.

The school district conserves resources by using this turf.  As a result, they also save big bucks each year.

"We estimate we save between $250,000 and $300,000 per year on the maintenance and upkeep in those types of things," Baker said.

The rubber pellets used in the turf are made from old tires, and the turf itself is fully recyclable after its years of use. 

Athlete health and wellness is always a concern.

One of the district's trainers said the sustainable turf produces less injuries than poorly kept grass fields.

"If there are ruts in the field, damaged turf, you worry about people catching ankles and knees and having more significant injury," said head trainer Ric Fail.

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