Synthetic Turf Council Expands 'Search for the Real Field of Dreams' National Contest

ATLANTA, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- With more than 5,000 synthetic turf athletic fields in use across the United States, the Synthetic Turf Council has expanded its 2010 'Search for the Real Field of Dreams' contest to now include public as well as high school fields.  The national search was launched last year to discover the synthetic turf field that had the greatest positive impact on athletes, schools, or the community.  

"During 2009, we received numerous compelling stories about the positive impact of synthetic turf," said Rick Doyle, President of the Synthetic Turf Council. "More than 5,000 synthetic turf sports fields are currently open in the United States, creating more opportunities for our youth to practice and play sports, as well as build healthier bodies, minds and self-esteem."

The Search for the Real Field of Dreams is open to any high school, municipal park, or public organization in the U.S. with a synthetic turf athletic field. Interested students, coaches, faculty, parents, parks and recreation managers, and local supporters can nominate a sports field by completing an entry form at www.syntheticturfcouncil.org. Submissions are due by March 31, 2010. Winners will be selected in April 2010 by an independent outside panel of judges.  A cash prize will be awarded to the winning entry and other national finalists.

Last year, the Grand Prize Winner was Salesian High School in Richmond, California. In a true story of David vs. Goliath, their football team went from the brink of closure to defeating an "unbeatable" team in their homecoming game. First runner-up honors went to the varsity football team at Junction City High School in Junction City, Kansas, who, after 40 years of frustration, won the 2008 State Championship after replacing its run-down playing field with synthetic turf. From Virginia City, Nevada to Rutland, Vermont, other finalists brought the entire community together to achieve what once seemed impossible.  

About the Synthetic Turf Council:

Based in Atlanta, the Synthetic Turf Council was founded in 2003 to promote the industry and to assist buyers and end users with the selection, use and maintenance of synthetic turf systems in sports field, golf, municipal parks, airports, landscape and residential applications.  The organization is also a resource for current, credible, and independent research on the safety and environmental impact of synthetic turf.  Membership includes builders, landscape architects, testing labs, maintenance providers, manufacturers, suppliers, installation contractors, infill material suppliers and other specialty service companies.  For more information, visit www.syntheticturfcouncil.org.  

SOURCE Synthetic Turf Council