5/23/16 Caucus Meeting
By: Katherine Massopust
PERTH AMBOY – There was a presentation at the 5/23/16 Caucus on the Willow Pond Synthetic Turf Field Construction. The presentation was made by Joseph D. Perello, LLA, ASLA, PP Principal Vice President of Suburban Consulting Engineers, Inc.
Photo illustration of synthetic turf by the Amboy Guardian.
“The City of Perth Amboy wanted us to design a synthetic turf field. One field will be striped for football and soccer (other fields for baseball). The Project will include a state of the art field that is the same synthetic turf used by colleges and universities. NJIT uses this turf. It will have a drainage and collection system. We’ve received excellent bids. The original savings was $60,000; the total savings is $86,662. We’ve received excellent bids from certified turf installers.”
Councilman Bill Petrick asked, “The bid includes the turf?”
Perello answered, “The total price is $745,000. That’s $86,662 less than the lowest priced bid.”
Petrick then asked, “What sort of materials are in a synthetic turf field?”
Perello answered, “Synthetic turf is built with sand. With the bid is included a groomer and a scraper. It’s recommended to groom the field around 4 times a year or every 4 to 6 weeks if it is heavily used.”
Council President Lisa Nanton had concerns about fencing.
“A concrete edge/walkway and a 4 foot chain-link fence on the end,” Perello said. “We also have a sweeper. The chain-link fence is also to keep spectators off the field. We also have a pipe for drainage. There are existing pipes on the east and west. All of this is going to be addressed. Natural grass drains (over a course of time). Synthetic turf drains right way. You don’t have rainouts unless it rains very hard. Nowm there’s a drain underneath (the turf).”
Councilman Joel Pabon wanted to know how safe the synthetic turf is.
“The infield is standard recycled rubber. For more information on synthetic turf go to http://www.syntheticturfcouncil.org/ for FAQ. Nobody is getting sick or have cancer from it. I am referring to studies that have been done. There are different types of infields, some of which are more money. You don’t need anything so expensive even on synthetic turf. It’s not like the old astroturf which went out of business. Now the field feels like grass. It has give; it can turn and cut. You don’t have issues like before when you were playing on a carpet (astroturf). This is top of the line synthetic turf. It has the highest ware and durability. We research the product on basis of scientists work. This is the latest product,” said Perello.
Nanton asked, “What is the life span (of synthetic turf)?”
“I’ve had seen it last 17-18 years. We warrantee the turf for 8 years, but like a car, do you need to replace it just because the warranty runs out? I recommend every 10-12 years. You will just have to replace the turf. When you replace it, (just the turf), it costs much less. It costs $292,000 to for the turf and installation.”
Business Administrator Adam Cruz stated, “We should consider thinking outside of the box. You can have a great field and after 2 years it needs repairs.”
Pabon added, “A the end of the day – who is going to be watching? Who do we go to?”
“You go to me to make sure stuff is going to get done,” B.A. Cruz stated.
“You are getting the same product as the NFL,” Perello said.
Councilman Fernando Irizarry said, “The product may be fine. What concerns me is the construction.”
Perillo reassured Irizarry, “We will have biweekly meetings with the contractors. There is no flaw in the design.”
Councilman Fernando Gonzalez asked, “When will it be completed?”
“90 calendar days from the notice to pursue,” Perillo answered.
