1.Why Synthetic Turf?
a.
Synthetic or artificial turf is a grass-like surface covering that replicates lush natural grass in appearance and function
b.
When used on playing athletic fields, it provides a consistent year-round, all-weather playing surface built to withstand extended use without downtime for recovery
c.
Synthetic turf playing fields exponentially increase playing time because they can be used daily and in all types of weather, without worry of damage
d.
In the 40 years that synthetic sports turf has been in use in the U.S. and around the world, not one person has ever reported any ill effects related to the material composition of synthetic turf fibers
e.
Synthetic turf fields provide a uniform and consistent playing surface for schools and communities. Traction, rotation and slip resistance, surface abrasion and stability meet the rigorous requirements of the most respected sports leagues and federations
f.
The NCAA published the results of a study among schools nationwide comparing injury rates between natural and synthetic turf and the injury rate during practice was 4.4% on natural turf, and 3.5% on synthetic turf
g.
Best use of space
h.
Cost-effective maintenance:
i.
Upkeep of a synthetic turf field costs two to three times less than natural turf
j.
Community use and involvement:
k.
Community sports leagues can rent the field; fees will bring additional revenue
l.
Allows for a multi-use facility that we can showcase. It’s a facility our community and students will take pride in.
m.
While initial investment costs are higher, synthetic turf becomes more economical in the long run
n.
Maintenance costs are three to four times less than for natural turf. No mowing, irrigation or chemicals are required.
o.
With regular maintenance, synthetic turf fields usually last up to 10 years, and are typically warranted for seven to eight years.
p.
Because of its consistent availability, a synthetic turf field is also a reliable source of rental revenue for schools and communities
q.
Synthetic turf is environmentally friendly in origin, application, use, disposal, sustainability and water conservation.
r.
It is not uncommon for grass fields to require a minimum of 15,000 gallons of irrigation water per week during growing season and thousands of pounds of fertilizers and pesticides annually
s.
Synthetic turf fields substantially decrease water usage, essentially eliminate chemical treatments and reduce the man hours and power equipment operation needed to maintain a grass field
t.
Installation of a synthetic turf field
u.
will provide a first class multi-
v.
purpose facility to maximize the use
w.
Installation of a synthetic turf field will provide a first class multi-purpose facility to maximize the use of the Olentangy High Schools athletic fields in a way that will benefit both the student athletes, sports teams, parents and the entire community.
2. Who will use the fields?
a. Olentangy Turf Fields would be used by all High School football, boys soccer, girls soccer, boys lacrosse, girls lacrosse, baseball, softball, field hockey teams. Band, physical education classes, band competitions, OYAA events and the OLSD community.
b. In addition, having turf fields would allow the three High Schools to host football, soccer, field hocky and lacrosse state playoff games-increasing athletic department revenue.
3. Who will pay to replace the turf surface, or carpet in 8-10 years when it wears out?
a. Olentangy Local School District will pay to replace the turf surface. The Olentangy Turf Committee will raise the money for the initial install and field surfaces and gift these back to OLSD.
4. Who is involved?
a. The Olentangy Turf Committee is made up of volunteer parents from across all three Olentangy High School communities; Olentangy(OHS), Orange(OOHS), and Liberty(OLHS).
b. BUT WE NEED MORE HELP-Use this website to let us know if you can help. Our biggest need is at the middle schools. We need your help and your children will be the biggest benefactors of this effort!
5. How much needs to be raised?
a. A total of $1.8M needs to raised, or $600,000 per high school.
b. Over $300,000 in services in kind have already been raised.
c. Over $510,000 from OYAA, Athletic and Band Boosters from the three high schools have already been committed
d. Another $75,000 from corporate sponsors has been raised to this point
e. We need to raise well over $500,000 from families in the Olentangy School District.
6. When are the turf fields going to be installed?
a. Our plan is to sign contracts with a Turf Company at the end of April, with them beginning construction of the new fields by end of May and having the fields ready for use by the beginning of August of this year.
7. How long do I have to donate?
a. We need the Olentangy community to step up right away! To meet our aggressive goals, we need to finalize our fundraising by the middle of March.
8. Do I have to donate all at one time?
a. NO, you can spread your gift out over three payments; March-2012, December-2012 and March-2013. Certainly, you can donate in one lump sum, but if three payments fit your budget better this option is available
9. How do I donate?
a. Click on the tab above To Donate. You can simply click the bar with the preset amount and enter your credit card information or, you can use the box titled Make a Donation to enter an amount of your choosing or, you can print out a gift form and mail to the address mentioned or, if you'd like to donate using the three payment option, fill out the Contact Us box and send-we'll contact you to make arrangements.