The Department of General Services (DGS) conducts annual G-MAX testing on synthetic turf fields in all eight wards to assess where maintenance is required. G-MAX testing is a surface hardness impact test and is the most commonly used standard set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International which established a G-MAX value of 200 for the maximum allowable limit for safety.
G-MAX is a stringent test method which scores 10 high-use areas on each field. A single score of more than 200 at any of the District’s synthetic field locations results in temporary, short-term closure of the field to carry out necessary maintenance. Remediation of fields can range from providing minor infill top-off (2-3 days completion) to providing sectional replacements (2-3 weeks completion).
DGS has followed a new set of field turf protocols developed by the District’s Interagency Working Group on Synthetic Turf Fields and Playgrounds to ensure that necessary steps are taken to communicate this information to DCPS and DPR and the public.
DGS looks forward to its continued partnership with these agencies and the community to ensure the safety of District residents and visitors and to monitor any advances in the scientific research regarding field and playground surface materials.
GMax Test Reports
Gmax testing measures the shock absorption of synthetic turf. The results indicate how much shock an athlete absorbs when impacting the turf. As the Gmax value increases, the field becomes harder, and is less likely to absorb shock. These measurements are a fundamental tool alerting you to critical compaction issues and the possible need of additional infill -- keeping your field safe and limiting injuries.
Gmax values increase with high usage, compaction, and infill segregation. These values can be reduced by grooming or top dressing your field.
For synthetic surfaces, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), specifies that the reported Gmax value for all test points on a field should be less than 200 Gmax (as measured in accordance with ASTM procedures F355-A and F1936). If the standard isn’t met, the field is considered in need of maintenance and remediation is required.
The shock tests, also called “drops,” are done 3 times in 10 separate locations. The results are recorded in the report.
Understanding the Report
The report provides general information on the location site name, address, date, time, weather, and average test score of all 10 test locations. The individual drops and average scores are used to inform maintenance activities. The report includes a test matrix that depicts the results each of the 3 drops at each of the 10 locations totaling 30 drops. It also records the depth of the field material at each test location. Any one drop that is recorded above ASTM standards will be highlighted and the field is considered in need of maintenance. Finally there is an areal image and description of all test locations on the field.
Timeline
All projected reopen dates subject to change based on weather and final post repair testing.
Simple Repair
| Ward | Location | Projected Reopen Date |
|---|---|---|
| Ward 3 | Deal MS (DCPS) |
Deal Middle School - OPEN |
| Ward 4 | Emery (DPR) |
Emery Recreation Center - OPEN |
| Ward 4 | Riggs Baseball (DPR) |
Riggs Lasalle Recreation Center Baseball Field - OPEN |
| Ward 4 | Riggs Football (DPR) |
Riggs Lasalle Recreation Center Football Field - OPEN |
| Ward 5 | Joseph Cole Recreation (DPR) |
Joseph Cole Recreation Center - OPEN |
| Ward 5 | Noyes ES (DCPS) |
Noyes Elementary School - OPEN |
| Ward 7 | Deanwood (DPR) |
Deanwood Recreation Center - OPEN |
| Ward 8 | Stanton ES (DCPS) |
Stanton Elementary School - OPEN
|
Extensive Repair
| Ward | Location | Projected Reopen Date |
|---|---|---|
| Ward 1 | Tubman ES (DCPS) | Tubman Elementary School - Spring 2020 |
| Ward 1 | Parkview (DPR) |
Parkview Recreation Center - Spring 2020 |
| Ward 2 | Jelleff Recreation (DPR) |
Jelleff Recreation Center - Friday, July 19th |
| Ward 3 | Horace Mann ES (DCPS) |
Horace Mann Elementary School field will remain offline and is slated for replacement this summer and will be ready for use at the start of the 2019-2020 school year. |
| Ward 3 | Palisades (DPR) | Palisades Recreation Center field will be open on July 4th for walking non contact sports for the Annual Palisades 4th of July Picnic. It will go offline on July 5th for scheduled replacement and will be ready for use at the start of the 2019-2020 school year. |
| Ward 4 | Upshur (DPR) |
Upshur - Opening TBD |
| Ward 4 | Roosevelt HS (DCPS) | Roosevelt Senior High School Field will remain offline and is slated for replacement this summer and will be ready for use at the start of the 2019-2020 school year. |
