Behind every synthetic turf field, park or installation, there could be a sports team winning against the odds, kids improving their fitness and self-esteem or a community hosting a local Special Olympics event. The Synthetic Turf Council recognizes these powerful stories and more with its annual Search for the Real Field of Dreams Contest. Starting today, the 2011 Search is now accepting nominations from the United States and Canada.
“More than 6,000 synthetic turf fields are open across North America, along with numerous parks, playgrounds and public installations,” noted Rick Doyle, President of the Synthetic Turf Council. “Our Search for the Real Field of Dreams Contest aims to show what can be accomplished when people are willing to dream big.”
Established in 2009, the Search for the Real Field of Dreams is open to schools (K-12 and college), parks, playgrounds, businesses and municipalities in the United States and Canada. Interested students, coaches, faculty, parents, parks and recreation managers, and local supporters can easily nominate an installation. Submissions are due by June 15, 2011 and will be evaluated by an independent panel of judges. A cash prize will be awarded to the winning entry and other national finalists.
About the 2010 Winning Entries
From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, the 2010 national finalists shared amazing stories. Using synthetic turf to create safe, barrier-free play zones, a community park serves over 17,000 children with physical and cognitive challenges. Kids in economically-challenged urban areas now have safe play spaces instead of rundown, concrete school yards. A community came together to survive an F-5 Tornado with their new synthetic turf field as a rallying point of local pride.
About the Synthetic Turf Council
Based in Atlanta, the Synthetic Turf Council (STC) was founded in 2003 to promote the industry and to assist buyers and end users with the selection, use and maintenance of synthetic turf systems in sports field, golf, municipal parks, airports, landscape and residential applications. The STC is also a resource for current, credible, and independent research on the safety and environmental impact of synthetic turf. Membership includes builders, landscape architects, testing labs, maintenance providers, manufacturers, suppliers, installation contractors, infill material suppliers and other specialty service companies. For more information, visit www.syntheticturfcouncil.org.