Synthetic Turf Newsletter

February 16, 2008, Jupiter, FL—Synthetic Turf International (“STI”), a global synthetic turf supplier and installer of premium synthetic surfaces, recently facilitated the installation of a 10,300 square foot playground for the National Naval Medical Center’s Child Development Center in Bethesda, Maryland. The project was completed in conjunction with STI’s Manassas, Virginia-based distributor, Eastern Lawn and Landscape.

The customized playground was completed utilizing STI’s specialty product, Tour Fringe, a product within STI’s SoftLawn®® line. Lush and realistic in appearance, STI’s SoftLawn®® product line is created with a soft UV-protected polyethylene fiber. Virtually maintenance-free, SoftLawn®® boasts a realistic “fresh cut” appearance—day in and day out. Additionally, SoftLawn®® requires no irrigation, mowing, pesticides or fertilizers, making it an ideal choice for children’s play areas. “When we removed the old lawn, there was a concern as to how we were going to make the Tour Fringe turf flush with the existing pavement,” commented Ray Francis of Eastern Lawn and Landscape. “Tour Fringe has an obvious end and, therefore, can’t butt directly against to the edge of the pavement as natural grass would. We contacted the paving contractor who put a rubber surface down so that the two surfaces could meet.” He continued, “It wasn’t a big problem and it was easily solved. That speaks volumes to SoftLawn®®’s versatility and the ease of installation.”

To meet current safety and accessibility standards, the project was installed atop an E-Layer. The project is the first of its kind for STI. Comprised of a layer of thick foam padding, the E-Layer provides greater cushioning in the event of a fall. Used in tandem with SoftLawn®®, the products meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) playground regulations. Commenting on the project Synthetic Turf International President William Campbell states, “We’re seeing a sharp increase in the demand for synthetic turf for use in playgrounds. But that doesn’t surprise us. You won’t find a safer play surface on the market—natural or synthetic.”

The National Naval Medical Center is one of the nation’s largest and most renowned military medical centers and has been a trusted source of military medicine for more than 60 years. The Child Development Center (“CDC”) is a full-time childcare facility located on the Medical Center campus. The facility provides childcare services to more than 250 children, ranging from six weeks to five years in age. The CDC is open to children of active duty military, Department of Defense and Medical Center personnel residing in the DC/Metro area.

Founded in 1995, with international headquarters in Jupiter, Florida, STI is recognized as the leading supplier/installer of residential or backyard synthetic putting greens. STI projects range from condominiums and townhouses to single family homes and large residential estates. The company supplies a host of golf-specific synthetic turf solutions to country clubs, golf clubs, teaching facilities and short game academies. STI is endorsed by David Leadbetter, one of the industry’s most respected instructors. STI provides and installs synthetic surfaces for recreation and sport venues both professional and amateur, including youth football, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, lawn bowling, bocce and other sports.

STI distributor partners are situated throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the West Indies, Germany, France, Spain, England and South Africa. STI welcomes distributor inquiries. For sales inquires contact Synthetic Turf International at 800-405-7455. For media inquires please contact Bobbie DuBose at 561-746-6077. Visit the STI website at www.synthetic-turf.com.