Dedication for New Turf Field

The new artificial turf field at Eastern Mennonite University will be dedicated in a public ceremony 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2.

The prominent bright green turf field that served multiple purposes for athletic programs at EMU was replaced this summer after 17 years of heavy use.

The program will include: a welcome from EMU President Loren Swartzendruber; an overview of the history of the first turf field and the need for a new one; comments from Webb Cook, representing Web Turf of Cheektowaga, N.Y., the company that did the installation; donor recognition; comments from this year's players and EMU head field hockey coach Brenda Bechler and a prayer of dedication.

At 1 p.m., the EMU Lady Royals will face the Red Devils of Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., in field hockey, the second varsity game of the fall season to be played on the new field.

The original turf field, completed in 1989, was used by the EMU women’s field hockey intercollegiate program as well as for all-weather varsity soccer practices, intramurals and the Shenandoah Valley summer soccer league that had upwards to 650 participants, noted David A. King, EMU athletic director.

Project Includes Many Updates

The completed $525,000 project included widening the playing area, new fencing, retaining walls, enlarged areas for bleacher seating, safety netting on the ends, new goals and installing the new turf on the existing elastic layer, which was in very good condition.

"A-Turf was very good to work with, allowing us to save money by doing some of the work ourselves and using local contractors who were interested in helping us with the project," King said. "This allowed us to do some extra things originally not included in the project.

"We are also very pleased that the old turf didn't end up in the landfill," he said. "Nearly all of it has been donated to local schools, youth organizations and camps."

King said that he's "excited about putting this new turf field to good use," adding: "While the surface won't be as fast for field hockey as the previous turf, the multipurpose use of the facility will make it a central hub of activity on campus for intercollegiate events, student life activities and community use.

"Night athletic contests will decrease missed class time, increase attendance and create a great community atmosphere," King said. "I'm grateful for the support of the administration and those who have financially made this possible. It's a dream come true," he added.

According to Kirk Shisler, vice president for advancement, over $400,000 has been raised so far for the new turf field.

"Several donors set the pace this past spring with lead gifts and then dozens of alumni and several community persons have stepped up to support the project," said Shisler. Plans are in place to wrap up fundraising for the project by mid-Autumn, he added.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony on the turf field.

— article by: Jim Bishop; posted August 25, 2006