It's Turf!
January 27, 1999
Corvallis, Ore. - -
After an extensive study of what would be the best type of playing surface for Parker Stadium, Oregon State University has elected to go with a new synthetic turf, it was announced Wednesday by Director of Athletics Mitch Barnhart.
For the past six months, the OSU Athletic Department has been reviewing and researching the requirements of installing a natural grass field in Parker Stadium. Along with this research, estimated costs for maintenance, equipment purchases and the installation of a synthetic practice field were also factored into the equation.
"The reasons are many for our decision," Barnhart said. "Factors ranging from cost of additional facilities necessary for practice, to use of the field in Parker Stadium by numerous groups. It is very important that we have a field to practice on in inclement weather. All of these factors tell us that financially and practicality-wise, this is the best direction for Oregon State athletics at this time.
"We certainly appreciate the support of all of the people in the agriculture community who have given us information as we have tried to make this decision, Barnhart added. "At this time it serves Oregon State's athletic interests best by moving toward a synthetic surface."
Barnhart said the Beavers will aggressively move forward to install the top-of-the-line synthetic surface.
According to Barnhart, OSU will start the bid process for a new synthetic surface in early February with the hope of starting construction and installation of a new turf by the first week in April. It will take approximately 120 days to complete the installation, making the field ready by late July.
Oregon State completed its 14th season in 1998 on All-Pro artificial surface.
With the decision to install a new synthetic surface, Oregon State will once again be in position to serve as a host for events to the campus community as well as a host to the Oregon School Activities Association and local high schools.
Throughout the Parker Stadium field review process, department and university officials continue to look toward the future for facility development. Along with the new surface for Parker Stadium, facility improvements for Gill Coliseum, an annex to Gill Coliseum, an indoor practice facility and a future relocation of Ropes-Fetrow Field (softball) have been identified as future projects.
