November 11, 2010

Update on Enviro Turf

by Jimmy Mitchell/David Stockstill

Edited by Carey Meitzler

The Picayune Maroon Tide Touchdown Club (MTTDC) has been approved by the school board to proceed

with fundraising efforts to replace the existing grass field with Enviro Turf (artificial turf). This effort will cost

approximately $600,000 to complete with the funding coming from different sources, none of which will

cost the school system anything.

Benefits of the EnviroTurf athletic field:

•  Harmful pesticides and fertilizers are required to maintain natural grass

•  Watering a grass field uses up to 50,000 gallons of water during the growing season

•  45,000 tires are recycled to create the average synthetic turf field.

•  99.95% of all foreign fibers are removed from the rubber.

•  All weather playability. The field is in condition to be played on no matter how much rain is received.

•  Increased use. Because ETS fields do not require ‘resting periods' like natural grass fields, ETS fields

can be used for multiple sports.

•  Minimal to no maintenance. No fertilizing, watering, or mowing. Enabling you to save your money and

your resources.

•  Synthetic turf is a safe alternative for the environment while providing a safer surface for players, children,

pets, and wildlife

•  All the rubber is laboratory-tested to ensure the highest standards in particle size distribution, moisture,

ash content, and chemical content.

The MTTDC must first establish itself as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in order to proceed with the

project in order to allow for the donations to be properly recorded for those (businesses & individuals)

who donate/purchase advertising or donate services or money.

The funding for this project will come from the following sources:

•  In-kind donations for base work (by a local company) to prepare the field for installing the turf.

•  7ft x 10ft advertising panels to be sold at an annual cost of $5K with a 10 yr. commitment. The panels

are a part of the turf and would be placed between the sideline and the track and stretch from the 25 yard

line to the goal line on each side of the bench area.

•  Other standard TD Club fund raising activities.

Timing of the project is essential to getting the turf installed without interfering with track season or

graduation ceremonies. The project normally takes between 4 to 8 weeks and could be started as

early as the day after graduation.

Estimated project cost

Anyone interested in donating and/or helping with the fund raising can contact any

MTTDC member or this website at maroontide@bellsouth.net and we will forward the

info to them.

Below is an artist rendition of how the field may look once installed.