The Kingdom Park multi-pitch field currently consists of natural grass turf and is enclosed along three sides by fencing. The conversion project proposes to remove the existing fencing, which is near the end of its useful life and is showing significant signs of aging, remove the sod, excavate, and then install an artificial turf field. The conversion would allow this field to meet regulatory size for soccer, lacrosse, rugby, and football. The conversion of the existing multi-pitch from natural grass to artificial turf is needed for a number of reasons. Due to poor soil conditions and the extended winter season in the high country, the Town must allocate significant resources to maintain the multi-pitch and keep it in an acceptable playing condition. On an annual basis, the Town incurs maintenance costs of $38,990 in fertilizer, mowing, field set up, and soil amendment, and also uses over 3 million gallons of water at a value of $11,560. In addition to the annual maintenance and irrigation costs of the field, the poor soil conditions of the field necessitated a significant sod and soil replacement project in 2008 at a cost of $12,000. While this project did immediately improve the condition of the field, it did not contribute to the long term sustainability of the multi-pitch, and it is expected that future sod and soil replacement will be needed in coming years. Due to the short playing season, poor soil conditions, and limited number of other available options, the multi-pitch receives a relatively high degree of use each year. In 2011, the multi-pitch accommodated over 7000 people engaged in a variety of activities from soccer, lacrosse, ultimate, volleyball, rugby, and general outdoor / field games. Another obstacle to maintaining the field at a high quality level is our inability to rotate or slide the field so as to change the location of high traffic areas (ie: areas in front of soccer goals). The limited space surrounding the multi-pitch does not allow for rotation or sliding, so temporary closures are at times needed to either replace sod in these areas or over seed, chemically treat, and irrigate them to promote restoration of the grass. Temporary closures, which are a reactive response to addressing needed maintenance / repair, can create significant challenges for user groups who often do not anticipate this type of contingency when scheduling their seasons. Rain, often in monsoonal patterns, is a common occurrence in the high country during the summer months, and this also can present significant challenges for maintaining the multi-pitch. Allowing usage of the field when wet or deciding to prohibit use is always a difficult decision that causes us to weigh the needs and desires of the user group against the potential damage that may occur and then require additional maintenance.
The conversion of the multi-pitch from natural grass to artificial turf will not alleviate all of the maintenance and care that a high quality amenity requires. It will however significantly reduce that level of required maintenance and care, will save over 3 million gallons of water annually, will eliminate the use of chemicals and fertilizers in an area immediately adjacent to the Blue River, and will greatly enhance the experience of our user groups by extending the season of use, eliminating cancellations due to poor field conditions, and providing a high quality and attractive playing surface.