Schaumburg Park District mulling more synthetic turf on fields

The Schaumburg Park District would like permission to add synthetic turf to three more soccer fields at Olympic Park, even if the turf isn't installed for awhile.

Six of the 10 fields at Olympic Park, a large park in the southeast corner of Schaumburg, have had synthetic turf for a full year. The park district is weighing the cost effectiveness of upgrading three more, Executive Director Jean Schlinkmann said.

The park district will seek the Schaumburg village board's approval at next Tuesday night's meeting, which will be needed to then get the permission of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

The water reclamation district's interest is twofold - not only does it own the land, which adjoins a water treatment plant, but reviewing the way the new turf might affect the flow of stormwater on the property is a major part of its overall mission, Schlinkmann said.

Getting permission from the village and water reclamation district doesn't mean the park district will automatically install the turf, Schlinkmann said.

Park board commissioners would first consider the cost of installing the turf, which can range from $600,000 to $800,000 per field depending on size.

The district considers the turf installed on the six fields to be successful and worthwhile, Schlinkmann said. The synthetic surface extends the months of usability each year and simplifies the task of maintenance.

"The six that we currently have, have been very popular," she said.

There is one remaining field at the park that will never be considered eligible for synthetic turf, Schlinkmann added. It's located in a low-lying corner of the park and is reserved for water detention during heavy rains.

Today's synthetic turf is superior to the types of turf from decades past, that were more or less carpeting on concrete, Schlinkmann said. The new type has a subbase system that helps prevent injuries, she added.