Binnie worked with the City of Calgary, and supported by RC Strategies, to lead the Rectangular Sports Field Strategy. The study provided the City of Calgary with a summary of research and case studies on best practices for athletic parks. The report covered planning, development, management, and operations, of natural and synthetic turf sports fields primarily for athletic parks, but it will also serve as a guide for management of synthetic turf surfaces at community sites.
To best inform future planning and development, we explored the benefits and costs associated with expansion of the synthetic turf field inventory in the City of Calgary. Focusing on athletic park sites, the project team analyzed the impacts of synthetic turf versus natural turf fields on various sports, and related social, environmental, and financial factors.
City of Calgary recreation staff will use the findings and recommendations to identify potential projects and the viability of exploring specific synthetic turf projects.
