Even artificial turf needs springtime attention

It is clear that artificial turf fields require substantially less maintenance than their natural grass counterparts. That said, artificial turf fields are not maintenance free.

That distinction is paramount in explaining to anxious local sports organizers and athletes why the use of the turf at the James Jerome Sports Complex does not occur the moment that snow has melted.

"The turf does require a level of maintenance to keep it clean, protect the investment, and primarily for safety," said Pam Cranston, manager of park services. "We have to groom the field for use, which should be done regularly, but especially after the winter of snow."

Anyone who has ever walked the field is aware of the tiny black rubberized pellets, though few are likely certain of the reason behind their usage.

"The field is composed of "infill" (or crumb rubber, as it is also called)," Cranston said. "Over time, the infill changes, it levels, it shifts, it compacts. It does create the potential for field variations and unsafe consistencies. Grooming and cleaning is about removing all of the undesirable particles, but what grooming also does is to pull up all of the settled infill, and redistribute the material back into the synthetic turf fibres."

Grooming, in effect, makes the field softer by relieving compaction, making for a safer playing surface. It should only be done on a dry surface.

"The area of James Jerome has a very high water table, it's surrounded by swamp," Cranston said. "The field has an excellent drainage system, but the reality is that it does take time to drain in the spring."

As most Sudburians are aware, the frost line this past winter was unusually deep. Understandably, this has backed up the typical timeline for getting the field ready.

"Last year, we were able to get the grooming equipment on the field near the end of April," she said. "In previous years, when we had no snow on the ground during March, and things were already drying up, we were able to open that field much earlier."

Meanwhile, the SDSSAA soccer ranks, the Sudbury Gladiators and the GSSC Impact competitive soccer crew wait just a little bit for the field to be ready, hopefully for April 28.