I found it an interesting coincidence the sporting communities of both Airdrie and Chestermere are fundraising to build artificial turf football fields in their respective cities. Hopefully, Chestermere residents and businesses will rally behind the initiative. The benefits of playing football on turf instead of grass are plentiful; an all-weather turf field would get hundreds – perhaps thousands – of hours of extra usage each year compared to the grass fields currently available in Chestermere. Field turf is less impacted by snow and, according to Brian Utley, who is spearheading the project in Chestermere, would allow teams to play outside for more than 30 weeks each year. There would also be less maintenance involved, once the turf has been laid down. Most importantly, however, research suggests playing football on turf is safer for athletes. Dr. Michael Meyers, a researcher at Idaho State University, has studied the injury-related impacts of playing sports on turf vs. grass for decades. His research indicates serious injuries such as ACL and MCL tears, as well as ankle injuries and concussions, are less common when football is played on artificial grass instead of natural grass surfaces. Other than safety and usage benefits, bringing a turf field to Chestermere would allow the community to host provincial or even national sporting events. For example, the Alberta Bowl – the annual provincial high school football championships – cannot currently be held in Chestermere because Football Alberta requires the games to be played on turf. Hosting the Alberta Bowl would provide some economic stimulus to Chestermere, as the event features five distinct championship games. With roughly 50 players on a team – not to mention the coaches, staff and family members that would be present – it would result in a lot of visiting tourists who would undoubtedly spend money at local hotels, restaurants and shops. While the initiatives in both Chestermere and Airdrie appear to be football-centric, the turf fields would also benefit athletes of other sports. A turf football field could easily host soccer, field lacrosse, rugby and Ultimate frisbee games, and groups like high school marching bands could use the space, as well. While Cochrane built its first all-weather turf football field in 2016, there is nothing similar for athletes in southeast Rocky View County. With the population of Chestermere having doubled throughout the past dozen years, it’s important to ensure the city has appropriate athletics facilities for the burgeoning sports community. Bringing the first all-weather turf field to the area would be a great place to start.
