Burdick Field getting new turf

Two FieldTurf fields will replace natural grass suface

Sarah Hugel/ The Towerlight

Students who have passed by Burdick Field this semester have noticed the gravel and dirt that replaced what used to be grass. This led many to wonder about the fate of one of the only green spaces on campus.

No fear, Towson students, as Burdick Field is undergoing a renovation that began last fiscal year and is set to be finished this fiscal year. The area is getting two new FieldTurf fields, synthetic surfaces much like the field at Johnny Unitas Stadium, and turfing began last Thursday.

Director of Campus Recreation Grady Sheffield said the project was approved in response to the field conditions of the old Burdick Field.

The need for a synthetic sports surface for Burdick Field has been evident for quite some time, Sheffield said.The previous natural turf field, despite the great efforts made by Paul Thomas and the Landscape Services staff, was never able to meet the needs of the university community on a consistent basis, especially when it rained.

Sheffield said the field lacked a proper crown, sloped to the west and did not have a drainage system in place to allow water to adequately dissipate from the playing surface, before the renovation.

The field would often be off limits for days after rain, forcing the cancellation of many club and intramural activities. In light of this, the decision to add FieldTurf instead of another natural grass field was made. Sheffield said it was difficult to maintain the grass field year-round.

With natural grass, we were limited as to when we could program the field(s) and how often, he said.In order to have grass on the field you have to allow for it to be properly maintained. This includes suspending activity during and after rain, time for watering and seeding, and then allowing new growth to mature in order to withstand the heavy usage.

The fields will feature lines sewn onto the turf for specific sports. The larger field will have three flag football fields, a soccer field and a rugby pitch, while the smaller field, located between the Union Garage and Osler Bridge, will have lines suited for mens and womens lacrosse.

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Burdick Field getting new turf