TigerTurf, Sports Construction Group Joins Effort to Reform Site of Shootings into Green Recreational Area

11/25/2008
Mount Vernon Elementary School’s playground (Newark, N.J.) has been revamped with a new TigerTurf EnviroField synthetic turf system, playground equipment and more. The neglected school yard was the site of four shootings in 2007, spurring efforts to create a state-of-the-art recreational facility for students and the community at large.

Comments from Colleen Graves, Program Manager for The Trust for Public Lands (TPL), which spearheaded the Mount Vernon Elementary School playground project:

“We were impressed with Sports Construction Group (SCG), which installed the turf, and TigerTurf.

“We are absolutely pleased with the quality and durability of the system – the silicone sand seems great. SCG was fantastic to work with during the installation.”

Graves said that that the heat resistance of the system, which has made it popular in Texas and Oklahoma, will be an asset in warmer temperatures. The system is also resistant to extreme cold.

Largely designed by students, the Mount Vernon project was a collaborative effort between TPL, the Mount Vernon Public School and the community. In addition to TigerTurf EnviroField, the facility features play equipment, basketball and tennis courts, a running track, garden and more. It was funded in part through various donations and in-kind contributions, including discounts from SCG and TigerTurf.

“Both SCG and TigerTurf took the project to heart and wanted to be part of it. We appreciate their generosity and enthusiasm,” said Graves.

She said that TPL was asked to create an inviting community recreational facility following the murder of three college students and the near fatal shooting of a fourth on the site last year.