New synthetic turf installed at Doerhoefer Park in Downers Grove

DOWNERS GROVE – Athletes who play on the field at Doerhoefer Park can expect to be a little cooler during competition now that the Downers Grove Park District has installed new synthetic turf that features CoolPlay technology.

“We’re pretty excited about it,” said Dawn Hartman, the Park District’s manager of marketing and creative development.

The previous turf was installed 12 years ago and was ready for replacement, Hartman said.

“We had the original turf installed 12 years ago,” she said. “After much use and wear and tear, the turf was due to be replaced. The typical lifespan is 10 years.”

The new turf, which costs $508,645, was budgeted as one of the district’s capital improvement projects, Hartman said.

The district also spent $19,000 to replace black-coated mesh on existing chain link fencing. Additionally, a new chain link fence was installed on the east side of the park, she said.

The work was completed in four weeks, about two weeks ahead of schedule, Hartman said.

The most significant feature about the new turf is CoolPlay technology.

The technology replaces the SBR rubber fill previously used on turf fields with a blend of cork to reduce the heat absorption. The new surface was installed in about one month.

“The technology features green infill instead of black infill,” Hartman said. “This helps to reduce the field temperature by up to 30 degrees.”

The field is mostly used by the district’s affiliate groups, including Panther Junior Football and Cheer and the Roadrunners Soccer Club, in addition to the public and other sports training groups.

The district will hold a dedication ceremony for the new field from 5 to 6 p.m. Aug. 30 at the park at 41st Street and Saratoga Avenue. The event will feature giveaways.