TigerTurf Takes the Field
10/20/2008
Overland Park, Kansas – the second largest city in the Kansas City metropolitan area with one of the highest levels of soccer participation per capita in the nation, will soon be synonymous with elite soccer facilities.
Construction began last month on the nation’s largest high profile synthetic turf complex to date that features 12 tournament-caliber soccer fields – manufactured in the U.S. by leading global turf manufacturer TigerTurf. Part of a $36 million sport and recreational project, the complex will begin hosting national, regional and local soccer in fall, 2009.
The new state-of-the-art facility will feature 1.2 million square feet of advanced TigerTurf synthetic turf technology, designed for competitive soccer at all levels.
“We’re seeking to create a world class soccer complex that provides a quality facility for local, regional and national tournaments,” said Dan Miller, City Engineer and project manager for the City of Overland Park. “With the many amenities such as lighting on all fields, multiple concession buildings, play systems for children, and much more, it is an ideal location for the whole family.”
A global company headquartered in New Zealand, TigerTurf systems are manufactured on four continents and used in 85+ countries, with numerous FIFA-licensed systems in play throughout the world. Charles Fleishman, TigerTurf Americas director, stated “We’re proud to be chosen by the City of Overland Park for this project – with the City’s careful planning and foresight, this new facility will rival any of the world’s top soccer facilities.”
He added, “The opportunity to see our R&D efforts play out in a complex of this size and quality, which will accommodate all levels of athletes is extremely gratifying.”
As for Miller, he stated simply: “This is a big job. Working with the right people will ensure its success in our community and for U.S. soccer.”
About Overland Park’s New Recreational Facility
In addition to 12 TigerTurf systems, which will be available for use in fall, 2009, Overland Park’s new recreational facility will include concession buildings, a multipurpose field house, playgrounds and new parking. Existing baseball fields and relocated tennis, skate and basketball facilities will also be part of the complex.
Adjacent to the site is Deana Rose Children’s Farmstead, a 12-acre park featuring animals, gardens, a schoolhouse, barn, pond and more. A new entrance and a joint general store/ice cream parlor will be added to the Farmstead in coming months.
