VERTEX provided civil, landscape architecture, geotechnical, and permitting services for improvements to the Foss Park athletic field. Working with the staff of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), VERTEX lead a team effort to upgrade the existing field to incorporate low-maintenance artificial turf.
The original field was natural turf in poor condition due to heavy use. VERTEX prepared a design that replaced the natural turf with an artificial turf system, a durable and attractive “grass” surface; infill, which supports the artificial turf blades and ensures a playing experience comparable to the best natural grass fields; and below these, a shock pad to attenuate impacts and provide a supporting drainage layer.
VERTEX designed drainage for the field that ensured that the turf system allowed runoff to pass through to the subsurface and leave the field playable shortly after a rainfall. Runoff leaves the field area and discharges to the stormwater drainage collection system.
The original field at Foss Park is smaller than regulation size football or soccer fields. DCR tasked VERTEX with placing the field closer to regulation size within the limited space available. VERTEX succeeded in doing so, with minor modifications to the park’s sidewalk network. VERTEX also designed LED athletic lighting for the field, requiring geotechnical investigation and design to support the light poles.
VERTEX prepared plans and specifications for the field renovation and provided support to DCR during the bidding and construction process. Additionally, DCR asked VERTEX to review the project site for the presence of archeological resources.
To learn more about VERTEX’s Civil Engineering Design services or to speak with an Engineering Expert, call 888.298.5162 or submit an inquiry.
