Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Stankowski Field Turf Project Off to a Good Start

The Stankowski Field Turf Replacement Project is moving right along. Having begun last Monday (May 18), all of the turf has been removed from the site as has the nailer from the perimeter of the turf. Work on the subsurface will be the next step in preparation for laying the new artificial grasslike turf.

Here's what it looked like for the 24 hours of May 18, beginning at midnight:



The excellent weather has been a boon to the start of this project. Similar weather is expected for most the coming week, which will continue to provide perfect conditions to keep the project on schedule.

Once again we need to remind our friends that the Stankowski Field playing fields and the surrounding track are now closed until the project completion date of July 13. Those who choose to ignore the fencing and signage risk injury and charges of trespassing.

The Field House restrooms and Sand Volleyball Courts will remain open during this time for use by the members of the Mizzou Campus Community.

As previously reported, MondoTurf with Ecofill Star infill, a two piece artificial turf system ideally suited for the playing and climate conditions found here at Mizzou will replace the Astroturf. MondoTurf is engineered to duplicate the response of natural grass and deliver a superior level of performance and safety than similar products on the market. MondoTurf also excels as an environmentally friendly product. Ecofill is a thermoplastic, odor free compound, 100% recyclable and less prone to heat absorption during times of peak temperatures experienced in Mid-Missouri.

The 1.5 million dollar project is proudly and fully funded by the Student Recreation Activity Fee through a fiscal strategic plan developed and established in 1998 to address Stankowski turf replacement.

Those interested in following progress of the project should continue to visit the MizzouRec website where a site webcam image will be displayed along with regular reports on the project. You can learn more about MondoTurf here.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Update on Truman's Pond


Truman's Pond typically opens in the spring of each year sometime following the break. Opening and preparation is dependent first and foremost on the weather, followed by the annual evaluation of the work needed to prepare the pool for operation.

However, this year - in accordance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act - the outdoor pool will be fitted with new suction fittings and grates prior to filling. The demand for both the installation and new grates is significant throughout the USA as this is high season for outdoor pools. It is hoped that the pool will be ready for use soon; however, the actual date depends on product and installer availability. We will keep you posted on the progress.

We are happy to report the deck of Truman's Pond will be open for sunbathing beginning Thursday, May 21st. Hours will be Monday - Saturday 11:00am - 6:00pm and Sunday, 12:00pm - 6:00pm.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Jungle Gym Closure for Floor Resurfacing and Maintenance

The purpose of this message is to let you know that a significant floor maintenance project is scheduled for the Jungle Gym including the Cardio Theater May 17 - June 3, 2009. As a result, the Jungle Gym will be completely closed for use during this time.

WHAT FITNESS OPTIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE?
1.The Quiet Fitness Room will be available without interuption, however conditions in this space will be monitored for possible odor. If deemed necessary this space may close for a brief period of time to to protect our members from any potential health and safety issues.
2. The Pump Room will be open.
3. The indoor track will be available.
4. Tiger Lair, our spinning studio, will be open for member use during facility hours.
5. Lap swim will be available.
6. Also as an outstanding exercise alternative, we will be offering a limited number of Tiger X classes, free of charge, to all members from Monday May 18, 2009 through Wednesday June 3, 2009. (schedule posted under Tiger X section of our website)

WHAT IS THE MAINTENENANCE PROJECT & WHY DOES IT HAVE TO HAPPEN NOW?
Following four years of hard use, the wood floor under the cardio equipment needs to be stripped, sanded and sealed.
This process takes 2 weeks to complete, cure and correctly harden.
While we are not a ghost town during late May, it is statistically the period of lowest use in the facility. Hence we are taking advantage of this time to take care of the business of the business!
The good news? This type of work only needs to happen every four years.


WHY CAN?T I USE THE REST OF THE JUNGLE GYM DURING THIS TIME?
During the recoating process, a strong odor will be noticed throughout the fitness areas. For the safety of our members, we will be closing the space during the recoating period. This also permits our staff ample opportunity to deep clean all equipment and spaces in the Jungle Gym thus resulting in a safer, cleaner, and enjoyable environment for future member use.

If you have any questions or concerns during this time, please contact Meghan Dimsa at dimsam@missouri.edu.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Stankowski Field Turf Project starts as scheduled! Day 1 Update


The Stankowski Field Turf replacement Project has begun as planned. At 8 a.m. this morning May, 18, crews began moving their equipment on the field and began demolition of the existing turf by cutting it into 10’x10’ sections for removal. Additional Day 1 work included installation of the perimeter construction site fencing, cutting away the turf from the poured track and building a project entryway over the track. Sections of the turf have already been removed and are filling the Dumpsters located on the worksite.

As a reminder, the Stankowski Field playing fields and the surrounding track are now closed until the project completion date of July 13. The Field House restrooms and Sand Volleyball Courts will remain open during this time for use by the members of the Mizzou Campus Community.

As previously reported, MondoTurf with Ecofill Star infill, a two piece artificial turf system ideally suited for the playing and climate conditions found here at Mizzou will replace the Astroturf. MondoTurf is engineered to duplicate the response of natural grass and deliver a superior level of performance and safety than similar products on the market. MondoTurf also excels as an environmentally friendly product. Ecofill is a thermoplastic, odor free compound, 100% recyclable and less prone to heat absorption during times of peak temperatures experienced in Mid-Missouri.

The 1.5 million dollar project is entirely funded by student fee dollars made possible by long term planning and fiscal responsibility. A replacement fund was established shortly after the original Astroturf was installed in 1997.

Those interested in following progress of the project should continue to visit the MizzouRec website website where a site webcam image will be displayed along with regular reports on the project. You can learn more about MondoTurf here.

New Turf Scheduled for Stankowski Field!

The RecSports Fields at historic Stankowski Field will be receiving a facelift. The Astroturf playing surface is at the end of its lifecycle and will be replaced with a latest generation of artificial field surfaces. MondoTurf with Ecofill Star infill, a two piece artificial turf system ideally suited for the playing and climate conditions found here at Mizzou will replace the Astroturf. MondoTurf is engineered to duplicate the response of natural grass and deliver a superior level of performance and safety than similar products on the market. MondoTurf also excels as an environmentally friendly product. Ecofill is a thermoplastic, odor free compound, 100% recyclable and less prone to heat absorption during times of peak temperatures experienced in Mid-Missouri.

There will be a brief period of short term pain for the long term gain. It will be necessary to take the track, along with the fields off-line for eight weeks to complete the project. Work begins on Monday, May 18, immediately following semester’s end, with the fields ready for play by July 13 (weather permitting). Parking and pedestrian traffic along the east side of Maryland Avenue will also be affected during this time. A number of parking spaces will serve as the storage and staging area for construction materials. The pedestrian walkway may be unavailable for extended periods of time. Stankowski Field House and the sand volleyball courts will remain open for use as will the pedestrian walkways to the north and south of the fields.

The 1.5 million dollar project is entirely funded by student fee dollars made possible by long term planning and fiscal responsibility. A replacement fund was established shortly after the original Astroturf was installed in 1997. In discussing the project Director of MizzouRec, Diane Dahlmann, says “Our student leaders tell us Stankowski Field plays a significant role in campus life. Resurfacing the fields is an investment in our students and our future. This state of the art product will provide our students a world class playing experience that will be second to none within the current fee structure.”

Those interested in following progress of the project should visit the MizzouRec website beginning May 18th, where a site webcam image will be displayed along with regular reports on the project. You can learn more about MondoTurf here.