(WASHINGTON, DC) – The Department of General Services (DGS) announces that GMAX testing of synthetic turf fields, held across the District from June 28 through August 1, is complete. DGS tested all 72 of the District's synthetic turf fields, which have passed and are fully operational. Five fields did not pass an initial test: the Emery Community Center multi-purpose field, Hardy Middle School playground, Hearst Elementary School soccer field, Marie Reed Recreation soccer field, and the Watkins Elementary School baseball field. Immediate repairs were made to these fields within 24 hours of initial testing, and all five received a subsequent passing score. GMAX testing is a measurement unit that quantifies a surface's hardness. Testing assesses a field's shock absorbing properties and hardness impact attenuation in accordance with safety standards established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International.

“Each year the Department of General Services (DGS) performs GMAX testing on synthetic turf fields because we know that the District has an active, sports-driven population, therefore, we want to ensure that our residents and visitors using these recreation surfaces are always safe, said DGS Director Keith A. Anderson. “Our testing demonstrates our commitment to safety. It is also vital that we follow industry standard protocols and this year’s results show the District’s turf fields are in good condition.”

DGS follows GMAX field turf protocols established by the District's Interagency Working Group on Artificial Turf and Playgrounds. GMAX is a stringent test method that scores ten (10) high-use areas on each field. A single score of more than 200 at any of the District's synthetic field locations can indicate the field requires remediation per ASTM standards. Remediation of fields can range from providing minor infill top-off to providing sectional replacements.

Please click here for more information on the District's FY22 GMAX test results.

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