Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino recently visited with members of the Massapequa Coast and Massapequa International Little Leagues, including Coast President Craig Garland and MILL President Chris Brooks, to unveil improvements at John Burns Park, made to help ensure safety and added use for players this spring season. Two fields at the park received significant improvements, including artificial turf replacement and patching.

 

“These important safety upgrades help protect our little leaguers and others who use these fields, and the manner in which the enhancements were done also protect our taxpayers,” said Supervisor Saladino. “With significant use, the fields became worn out over time. These improvements bring a facelift to the fields, thereby improving safety for players and achieving the repairs in the most cost-effective way.”

 

Artificial turf fields have a useful life of approximately 8-10 years, however, they are less expensive than the long-term cost of maintaining natural grass and a dirt surface. Turf fields also provide the potential for fewer cancellations as the field us able to absorb rain storms in a manner that is not possible on a dirt infield.  Turf replacement must be considered when loose inlays pose tripping hazards, fibers split and shred, and when inlays are worn out.  When fields experience these issues, less cushion between the athlete and stone base underneath the turf. As players fall on the field, they are at a higher risk of injury and even concussion.