Key Challenges and Solutions
A-Turf provided excavation, subgrade construction, drainage, perimeter curbing, crushed stone base construction, and built the synthetic turf system, along with other peripheral work. Since baseball turf requires different heights, A-Turf provided a system that offers various turf lengths, fibers, and infill ratios for the 131,400-square-foot-field, including the bases and warning track. A 2” height system was selected due to the high likelihood that soccer would be played on it in the future.
The DiamondBlade turf in the outfield, which is green, replicates the best features of a high-level natural grass. The artificial turf in the infield is brown, so it looks like dirt, and includes a removable Perfect Mound that makes field conversion seamless for other stadium events. In addition to its unmatched aesthetic, Titan DiamondBlade provides a phenomenal playing surface, because it features a diamond-shaped design, innovative polymer formulation, and exceptional tensile strength for maximum durability. This product also offers the industry’s strongest warranty – 12 years – when installed over an approved ShockPad system.
In addition to performance, the new turf system was installed so the park can use the field for additional events, including other sports and concerts, year-round. The Stormers hold an annual community drive via a Christmas light show.
A-Turf products were specified because of their turf field experience, the price point, and A-Turf’s relationship with the Stormers’ staff. In order to complete this project, A-Turf converted a 100% sand-based natural grass to a synthetic turf over a stone-based drainage system. “The Stormers went with a heavier sand content infill? (40% rubber, 60% sand) to give that faster feel,’’ said Dave Martin, A-Turf’s Senior Sales and Project Manager. “You’re just trying to do multipurpose, because that’s how it’s going to be used.’’
Since the original parcel of land was a railroad yard, the team also needed to ensure the soil was not contaminated by performing extensive testing. Another challenging component of this project was meeting the strict stormwater management and conservation district regulations and requirements of the city of Lancaster, PA. As a result, the architect and engineer involved with this project worked closely with the Lancaster City Engineer to manage Department of Environmental Protection and conservation district regulations.
Martin oversaw this project, installation was performed by A-Turf’s certified crew, ATI and TTC Inc. Integrated Consulting Services provided engineering services. Despite the winter weather, the A-Turf team was proud to have completed this project just in time for the Stormer’s home opener in April for the 2024 season.
