This project is much more than a simple field fix. For Adams, it lets him give back to his home soccer roots. For Scotts, it helps build safe, natural grass spaces where kids can play and grow, according to the company.

“Growing up in Wappinger, this field played an important role in shaping who I am, both as an athlete and as a person,” said Adams. “It’s meaningful to return home and see it ready for the next generation of players. Every kid deserves access to safe places to play, and I’m proud to help bring that opportunity to my hometown community.” 

This renovation is one of many community investments supported through Scotts’ “Keep it Real” initiative, which focuses on improving access to natural grass playing fields and helping more kids experience the benefits of youth sports and outdoor play. The project was brought to life in partnership with Project EverGreen, a nonprofit dedicated to creating and maintaining healthy green spaces, and Every Kid Sports, a national nonprofit that has helped more than 200,000 kids access youth sports by covering registration fees. Together, these organizations share Scotts’ commitment to connecting communities to green spaces. 

“This project represents what ‘Keep it Real’ is all about — investing in the places where kids can learn, grow and build confidence through playing sports,” said John Sass, senior vice president and general manager of North America at ScottsMiracle-Gro. “Seeing Tyler return home and celebrate a transformation alongside the Wappinger community makes this renovation really special.” 

Scotts encourages homeowners and communities to invest in real grass spaces that bring people together. To learn more about the “Keep it Real” initiative and the impact Scotts and Adams are making together, visit ScottsMiracle-Gro’s “Keep it Real” webpage. 

<p>The post Scotts and USMNT Star Tyler Adams Celebrate Grand Opening of Renovated Soccer Pitch first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

Among these considerations, the composition of infill materials is receiving growing attention.

A study published in Science of the Total Environment evaluated 91 synthetic turf football fields across 17 countries and assessed the presence of various chemical compounds in different infill materials. The research analyzed 78 recycled tire crumb rubber samples and compared them with alternative infill materials including cork, thermoplastic elastomers and coconut fiber.

Understanding What Researchers Found

The study identified several groups of compounds in recycled tire crumb rubber samples collected worldwide, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), plasticizers, antioxidants and vulcanization additives.

According to the authors, hazardous compounds were found in crumb rubber samples from all regions analysed. Some samples contained substances classified as carcinogenic, endocrine-disrupting or potentially harmful to aquatic environments. The researchers also noted that recycled tire rubber and plastic infills are considered microplastics, which may persist in the environment for long periods of time.

The study further highlights that several previous investigations have demonstrated the potential migration of compounds from infill materials into runoff water, air and surrounding environments. These findings have contributed to growing interest in understanding how material selection may influence the overall environmental profile of artificial turf systems.

Cork as an Alternative Material

Alongside crumb rubber, the study also analysed cork-based infills.

The researchers reported that cork samples contained significantly lower concentrations of the compounds investigated when compared with recycled tire rubber. In their conclusions, the authors state that cork appears to be an adequate alternative while noting that some plastic-based alternatives contained elevated concentrations of plasticizers.

The authors also suggest that trace levels detected in some cork samples may be explained by residual contamination from previous infill systems rather than the cork material itself. These findings contribute to a growing body of research exploring how different infill materials may influence the environmental profile of sports surfaces.

Water Quality Is Becoming a Design Consideration

Beyond the scientific literature, environmental considerations are increasingly influencing real-world sports infrastructure projects.

One example is the Seattle Sounders FC Providence Swedish Performance Center and Clubhouse in Washington state. The facility achieved Salmon-Safe certification, a program focused on protecting water quality and aquatic ecosystems through responsible land management practices.

As part of the project, cork-based infill was selected to support the facility’s broader environmental objectives, including stormwater management and watershed protection.

The project reflects a broader trend in which sports organizations are evaluating facilities not only through the lens of athletic performance, but also through their interaction with surrounding ecosystems and water resources.

The Growing Importance of Material Composition

Performance remains a fundamental requirement for any artificial turf system. However, scientific research and real-world projects increasingly show that material composition is also becoming part of the evaluation process.

As interest grows in topics such as water quality, stormwater management and microplastic emissions, the characteristics of the materials used within a sports surface are receiving greater attention from researchers, facility owners and sports organizations alike.

The growing adoption of alternative infill materials reflects this broader evolution in how artificial turf systems are assessed and specified.

While performance remains at the core of every sports surface, the conversation is expanding. Material composition, environmental interaction and long-term impact are increasingly being considered alongside traditional performance metrics.

As the industry continues to evolve, understanding the role of infill materials will be essential for stakeholders seeking to balance athletic performance with broader environmental objectives.

Sources

• Armada, D., Llompart, M., Celeiro, M., Garcia-Castro, P., Ratola, N., Dagnac, T., & de Boer, J. (2022). Global evaluation of the chemical hazard of recycled tire crumb rubber employed on worldwide synthetic turf football pitches. Science of the Total Environment, 812, 152542.
• Seattle Sounders FC. Protecting Puget Sound Water Quality: Sounders Commit to Salmon-Safe Certification at Providence Swedish Performance Center & Clubhouse.
• Generator Studio. Staying True to the Seattle Sounders Sustainability Initiatives.

<p>The post Research shows why Infill Material Composition Is now Part of the Environmental Conversation first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

At the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s 2026 National Conference, held July 8-11 in New Orleans and online, TenCate highlighted how athlete-centered testing is helping shape turf systems built for the repeated demands of training and competition. That approach helped guide the development of Pivot Performance Turf, TenCate’s next-generation turf system designed around athlete movement data. 

The conference brought together strength and conditioning coaches, researchers, educators, allied health professionals, performance specialists and students at a time when athlete performance decisions are increasingly shaped by data, testing and applied research. TenCate used that setting to show how playing surface design is becoming part of the same research-driven approach. 

“Strength and conditioning professionals are already asking detailed questions about how athletes move, adapt and perform,” said Joe Fields, CEO of TenCate Americas. “We are applying that same research-driven approach to the surface beneath them. The more we understand how athletes interact with the field, the better we can design surfaces around real movement and support the broader goal of keeping athletes available to train and compete.”

That focus is changing how playing surfaces are studied. Traditional field testing remains important, but researchers and product developers are now looking more closely at how the surface feels and responds as athletes repeat starts, stops, cuts, landings and changes of direction. 

For strength and conditioning coaches, the connection is direct. Athletes perform explosive movements across practices, workouts and competition, often under fatigue and in changing conditions. Those movements depend not only on the athlete, but also on how the surface feels and responds underneath them. 

That athlete-centered approach became the foundation for Pivot Performance Turf. TenCate developed the system through years of research into athlete-surface interaction, including testing with more than 1,000 college and professional athletes wearing movement sensors. That work helped TenCate study how athletes interacted with the surface and apply those insights to Pivot’s design. 

“Traditional turf testing gives us important information, but athletes bring a different perspective,” said Colin Young, Ph.D., chief technical officer at TenCate. “They feel how the surface responds when they accelerate, cut, land and push off again. That is where our athlete-centered turf research becomes valuable.” 

The result of that research is Pivot Performance Turf, engineered without rubber infill and built with a fiber-based construction designed to provide a more consistent playing experience under repeated use, according to the company. By removing loose infill from the playing surface, Pivot is designed to reduce one of the variables that can affect how a field feels and responds during repeated athletic use. 

For performance staffs, the relevance is practical: Athletes repeat the same movements hundreds of times across practices, workouts and competition, and the surface is part of that work. When the field responds more predictably, athletes can move with greater confidence. 

“Athlete data is most valuable when it helps you make better design choices,” Young said. “For Pivot, that meant taking what we learned from real athlete movement and applying it in practical ways, from how the system is built to how the surface responds as athletes use it again and again.” 

TenCate’s participation at NSCA followed recent engagement with sports surface researchers, strength and conditioning professionals and sports medicine audiences, each bringing a different perspective to how playing surfaces are evaluated. 

“Our goal is to design surfaces around the work athletes do on the field,” Fields said. “That starts with studying how they use the surface and turning those findings into better turf systems.” 

<p>The post TenCate showcases Pivot Performance Turf research at NSCA’s National Conference first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

Indoor turf systems represent more than artificial grass rolled over a concrete slab. Field managers and groundskeepers who know the engineering beneath the visible surface have the ability to optimize athlete performance and injury prevention. Each component — from the subfloor foundation and the shock-absorbing middle layer to the granular infill between turf blades — performs specific mechanical functions that directly affect traction, impact forces and surface consistency.  

Modern indoor athletic facilities require turf systems engineered as integrated solutions instead of being assembled from disconnected parts. When professionals oversee the construction of sports equipment and athletic environments with attention to how the layers interact, they can create a playing surface that balances durability and the biomechanical demands athletes need during training and competition. 

Subfloors: The foundation layer 

Subfloors in indoor facilities often use concrete or asphalt bases that provide structural stability. Unlike outdoor fields that use compacted soil, indoor installations require rigid foundations that support consistent performance across the entire playing surface. 

These hard substrates create challenges that differentiate indoor turf engineering from outdoor applications, as they lack the natural elasticity and demand additional cushioning layers to prevent excessive joint stress during training and competition.  

The subfloor’s rigidity requires careful consideration of the layers installed above it, since impact forces transmit directly through the system without soil absorption.  

Shock pads: The critical performance layer 

Shock pads function as specialized elastic layers positioned between the structural base and the turf carpet. These components create mechanical buffers that alter force transmission during athletic activity. When people run, jump or fall, shock pads absorb kinetic energy and reduce peak forces transmitted to joints, ligaments and muscles. This impact attenuation directly lowers injury risk while improving surface comfort during tackles and falls.  

High-quality shock pads provide controlled energy return by releasing stored energy back to the athletes, supporting natural movement patterns and reducing fatigue during extended play. They also function as load-spreading layers that disperse localized point loads over broader surface areas. This distribution reduces stress concentration on the base structure and turf fibers, contributing to improved structural integrity and uniform surface behavior.  

Unlike infill-dependent systems, where performance fluctuates due to migration or compaction, shock pads provide stable, independent shock absorption. This ensures key performance parameters remain consistent over time, even under heavy usage. The addition of shock pads reduces maintenance sensitivity and decreases dependency on precise infill depth.  

Infill materials: The hidden performance driver 

Infill materials sit between turf blades and help them maintain an upright position while creating appropriate cushioning and shock absorption. The infill type selected influences safety, drainage, surface temperature, turf longevity and blade support. For indoor athletic facilities, crumb rubber infill from recycled tires offers excellent shock absorption and durability for heavy foot traffic. Sand-rubber blends provide balanced stability and comfort for multipurpose facilities.  

Infill directly affects vertical blade support that maintains a realistic grass appearance, enhanced drainage capabilities and heat regulation. The material protects turf backing from wear, supports pile height and prevents wind uplift in indoor environments with ventilation systems. Proper infill selection keeps the blades from matting and flattening, which significantly affects the lifespan of the turf system.  

Integrated system design for optimal results 

Indoor turf systems perform best when professionals view subfloors, shock pads and infill as interconnected components instead of isolated elements.  

The subfloor’s rigidity determines the shock pad thickness requirements. Shock pad elasticity influences the infill density required to achieve target performance metrics. Field managers who understand these relationships can specify systems that meet safety standards while delivering consistent playability that athletes depend on during training and competition. 

<p>The post Three key factors influencing indoor field safety and quality first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

“The Master11 is a great addition to Kress’ artillery of state-of-the art autonomous mowers tailored to the intentional and delicate nature of golf courses, which can span dozens of acres,” said Tim Barrier CGCS, Kress golf business development manager. “As we continue to distinguish ourselves as the premier choice for the world’s best golf courses, the KR238 provides a large cutting width of 24.4 inches for powerful and precise results, all while protecting the serenity of the game.”

Kress’ Master11 can cover up to 5 acres in 12 hours and up to 20 acres in a 48 hours, or about two par-4s every 24 hours. Combining four technologies — tri-camera vision, RTK, time-of-flight and ultrasonic sensors — Master11 can adapt to obstacles and operate day or night.

Master11 uses a mowing deck with three distinct blade discs to deliver an even cut on undulating surfaces and creates professional-looking stripes with cutting heights from 0.4 inches to 3.9 inches. This, partnered with Kress’ new full-metal, high strength chassis, delivers a product that reduces operating costs.

Along with zero operational emissions and reliable performance, the Master11 features AI-powered turf monitoring for course health to detect potential diseases and instantly alert operators.

Other key features include:

• Maximum slope capacity of 40 percent, or 22 degrees.
• Adjustable mowing speed of 2.2, 3.4 and 4.5 mph.
• “Turf Guardian” wheels designed to help prevent traffic damage.
• 360-degree, multi-sensor obstacle detection and avoidance, including VisionAI and VSLAM ultrasonic sensors.
• Optional ball pusher for clearing driving ranges during mowing.

The KR238 “Master11” 24.4-inch autonomous mower integrates with the Kress Fleet Management system to streamline scheduling, monitoring and servicing. It will be available at Kress dealer locations across North America in late summer 2026.

<p>The post Kress to release KR238 “Master11” autonomous mower for sports turf and golf courses first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

An indoor turf field can be an excellent choice for even the most competitive sports. Indoor fields are less susceptible to the elements, with the ability to condition the space and ensure optimal performance. 

While facilities managers can choose from a range of options for turf, infill, shock absorption and drainage, the application dictates the most appropriate selection in each category. 

Application 

The planned use of the field is a key consideration that affects choices for turf, infill and more.  

An indoor turf field intended primarily for small children to play in the evenings or weekends may require more evaluation for safety, but less concern about high impact and long-term wear. Turf fields for professional training or heavy use, on the other hand, should focus primarily on effective performance and long-term durability.  

Whether the project involves schools, training centers, community recreation facilities or recreational metal buildings designed to house year-round athletic activities, the application dictates the most appropriate selection in each category. 

Indoor turf selection 

Turf selection determines how well the surface holds up during use and how it feels to players as they walk on it.  

Nylon tends to be the most durable, with the ability to handle high impact without losing its shape. Polyethylene feels softer and looks more like natural grass, making it ideal for applications like soccer fields. Polypropylene is the least expensive but also the least durable.  

For all options, pile height affects look and performance. A higher pile feels more like grass but can hinder movement in certain types of sports. 

Infill systems 

Choosing the right infill can affect shock absorption, heat and other factors. The most appropriate choice depends on the sport, region and climate. Facility managers can usually choose between three types: 

• Rubber crumb 
• Silica sand 
• Organic infill, such as cork or coconut 

Rubber provides the best cushion but can absorb excessive heat. Silica sand maintains its shape but does not absorb impact like rubber. Organic products are cooler than rubber, but they tend to cost more. 

Shock absorption 

The ability to absorb shock is a factor of safety as well as performance. High-impact sports like football may require higher levels of shock absorption. Infill options like rubber can improve cushioning, but facilities can also install a shock pad below the turf for additional support.  

For any choice, facility teams may opt to GMAX test the field, a process that tests shock absorption capabilities, indicating how much a player will feel it when they fall. The results can guide maintenance planning, as well as help with infill and turf choices for future replacement. 

Drainage 

Although drainage is a critical element of successful outdoor turf field management, it is a key aspect of indoor turf fields, as well. Indoor fields need drainage to handle cleaning solutions, spilled drinks and accidental flooding.  

Typically, under the infill, the facility will have a thick layer of crushed stone or dust to absorb liquids and allow them to drain properly. Fields with high water use, from spray cleaning or other applications, may need additional draining pipes to remove excess water. 

Maintenance 

Turf for indoor fields is known for its ease of maintenance, but it still requires regular upkeep. Infill may occasionally need repair or replacement to maintain a smooth surface for sports, and damage or wear of the turf surface may require replacement.  

In all cases, routine cleaning of the entire surface is a necessity. Facility managers must factor in the time and expense to ensure that the new field receives appropriate care. 

Building an indoor turf field for performance, playability, durability and safety calls for consideration of various elements. By making choices for turf, infill, shock absorption and drainage that work with the intended use, facilities managers can help to ensure maximum use and efficacy. 

<p>The post Key turf specs every facility manager needs to know for maximum turf performance first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

At the 77th Annual NATA Clinical Symposia and AT Expo, hosted by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association from June 29-July 2 in Philadelphia, that challenge was part of a broader conversation about the many factors that shape athlete health, performance and availability. As athletic trainers take an increasingly holistic view of player health and recovery, playing surface consistency is becoming a more important part of the equation. 

“Athletic trainers are already evaluating how workload, movement, fatigue and confidence affect athlete performance over a long season,” said Joe Fields, president and CEO of TenCate Americas.  “The surface beneath the athlete is part of that environment. Our focus at NATA was on reducing one of the variables athletes experience by making the field feel and respond more consistently under repeated use.”

At the event, TenCate featured Pivot Performance Turf, a next-generation turf system designed to deliver a more consistent playing experience without rubber infill. By removing the loose rubber layer found in traditional synthetic turf, Pivot is designed to reduce one of the variables that affects how a field feels and responds during repeated use.

The topic was especially relevant at NATA, where athletic trainers, researchers and sports medicine leaders evaluate the many factors that influence how athletes prepare, compete and recover. As that work becomes more data-driven, playing surface performance is becoming part of the broader environment that shapes long-term athlete health.

For athletes, consistency matters during the movements they rely on most: planting, cutting, sprinting, decelerating, landing and pushing off again. A more predictable surface can help athletes train and compete with greater confidence while giving athletic programs another factor to consider when evaluating the demands placed on athletes over a long season, according to the company.

“Pivot was developed around the way athletes actually use a field,” said Colin Young, Ph.D., chief technical officer at TenCate. “That means looking beyond traditional turf measurements and focusing on how the surface feels and responds through repeated use.”

Pivot was developed through athlete-centered biomechanical research, including testing with college and professional athletes across many sports. That work helped TenCate better understand how athletes interact with the surface during sport-specific movement and apply those insights to Pivot’s design, replicating the response athletes expect from high-quality natural grass.

The infill-free design is central to that approach. Traditional turf systems often rely on loose rubber, sand or other infill materials to help shape how the surface feels and responds when athletes plant, cut, accelerate, decelerate and absorb force. Pivot removes that loose rubber layer and is designed to provide a more consistent surface during repeated use.

For schools, universities, municipalities and sports facilities, that distinction extends beyond the sports medicine staff. A more consistent field can support athlete confidence, coaching decisions, facility planning and long-term field management.

“Athletic trainers are dealing with more information, more expectations and more pressure to help athletes stay on the field,” Fields said.  “That raises the standard for every part of the athletic environment, including the surfaces beneath them.”

The post-event takeaway is the importance of looking beyond how a field appears on installation day and paying closer attention to how it performs under repeated athletic use. Pivot is designed around that standard, giving athletes a surface that responds consistently over long-term use.

“Athletes need surfaces they can trust,” Young said. “When the field responds consistently, athletes can train, compete and return to play with greater confidence.”

<p>The post TenCate showcases Pivot Performance Turf at the Annual NATA Clinical Symposia and Expo first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

The equipment donation directly supports the Arboretum’s focus on connecting people and plants as it welcomes nearly 700,000 visitors annually to experience the fruits of its horticultural research, education and beautiful garden spaces. 

“We are grateful for Toro’s donation of the Groundsmaster 4000-D. The Arboretum features undulating grassy spaces across its 1,200 acres, nestled between thousands of trees, dozens of display gardens and other unique collections,” said Jared Rubinstein, University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum director of horticulture and collections. “This new mower will replace a decades-old Toro unit as the primary mower for managing the height of the Arboretum’s grass areas. Keeping our grounds precisely maintained to a high standard is vitally important as an Arboretum.” 

The Toro Groundsmaster 4000-D is a heavy-duty, wide-area rotary mower featuring a 11-foot cutting width which helps to streamline operations.

“Toro is incredibly proud to support the Arboretum’s mission of inspiring visitors through horticultural research and education,” said Josh Jans, Toro’s senior marketing manager for sports fields and grounds. “Our equipment is engineered specifically to meet the rigorous demands of world-class landscapes like this one. It’s a privilege to know that Toro’s industry-leading technology plays a vital role in maintaining these grounds in absolute peak condition for nearly 700,000 visitors to experience and enjoy year-round.”

Managing the expansive grounds and natural woodlands requires a dedicated horticulture team of 60 full- and part-time staff, college students, volunteer groups and a full fleet of Toro equipment. The new Groundsmaster mower replaces an aging machine, adding to a fleet that includes Toro Workman utility vehicles, a Toro Vista passenger vehicle, a Toro Dingo compact utility vehicle, battery-operated leaf blowers, zero-turn mowers and snowblowers.   

The donation is part of a long-standing partnership between the two Minnesota organizations. In addition to equipment donations, Toro has contributed in-kind and monetary donations as well as thousands of hours of Toro employee volunteer time to the Arboretum.

“At Toro, we know that thriving, accessible green spaces are the foundation of strong communities,” said Marnie Wells, president of The Toro Company Foundation. “We are proud to support organizations, such as the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, that are dedicated to providing and preserving spaces that bring people together, promote well-being and protect the natural landscapes that connect us all.”  

Through its corporate giving initiatives, The Toro Company provides equipment donations, grants and matching gifts to support nonprofits, school districts and municipalities. These resources help local organizations manage green spaces and sports fields and clear snow from sidewalks and driveways, ensuring donated Toro products benefit the beautification of outdoor spaces and have a positive impact on the community at large.  

<p>The post Toro donates equipment to support University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

The announcement also marks one year since Turface Athletics became the Official Industry Educational Partner of THSB in May 2025. Since the partnership began, the organizations have worked together to support coaches, field managers and baseball programs across Texas through field maintenance education, industry resources and recognition programs that help strengthen the game at the high school level. 

“Partnering with Turface Athletics over the past year has allowed us to shine a spotlight on one of the most important, yet often overlooked, parts of high school baseball — the playing surface,” said Josh Pratt, co-owner of Texas HS Baseball. “At Texas High School Baseball, we’ve always believed that great fields are a reflection of great programs. These Field of the Year recipients represent the standard across Texas, and we’re proud to recognize the coaches and crews who put in the work every day to provide a first-class environment for their players.” 

The Field of the Year Awards recognize programs that demonstrate exceptional commitment to field maintenance, player safety and creating a first-class experience for athletes, coaches and their communities. 

The 2026 Texas High School Baseball Field of the Year recipients were recognized across six classifications: 

• 6A Field of the Year: The Backyard at Stratford High School 
• 5A Field of the Year: The Nest at Liberty High School 
• 4A Field of the Year: Van H.S. Baseball Field at Van High School 
• 3A Field of the Year: Tiger Field at Slaton High School 
• 2A Field of the Year: Whitewright Baseball Park at Whitewright High School 
• TAPPS Field of the Year: Warrior Stadium at The Woodlands Christian Academy 

“We’re excited to be celebrating one year of partnering with Texas High School Baseball,” said Mike Blunck, Southern regional solutions manager. “These awards really show how committed both of our organizations are to great fields, player safety and helping the game continue to grow across Texas.” 

For decades, Turface Athletics has supported baseball programs at every level through field maintenance products, educational resources and industry support designed to help create safer, more playable fields. The partnership with THSB reflects a shared commitment to supporting the coaches, field managers and communities who continue to invest in the future of the game. 

As part of the program, recipients will receive recognition and support opportunities through Turface Athletics, reinforcing the company’s ongoing commitment to high school baseball field excellence. 

<p>The post Turface Athletics and Texas High School Baseball Announce 2026 Field of the Year Recipients first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>

Willadsen brings to the role nearly two decades of experience in turfgrass management, irrigation systems and agronomic operations. 

As farm manager, he will oversee the day-to-day operations of Aura Farm while contributing to product development, field trials and agronomic research focused on advancing soil health, water efficiency and plant performance. 

Bringing 17 years of turf management experience, he most recently served as the golf course superintendent at Back Creek Golf Club in Middletown, Del. He brings deep expertise in irrigation, plant health, water conservation and leading maintenance teams.

“Mike’s background in turf management and agronomic operations makes him a strong fit for Aura Farm,” said Matthew Fleetwood, Ph.D., director of R&D. “His experience in managing complex growing environments will be invaluable as we continue advancing product innovation through real-world testing.” 

<p>The post Aquatrols taps Michael Willadsen to lead Aura Farm research facility first appeared on Athletic Turf.</p>