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Hutchinson, KS (July 12, 2018) –
After nine years, Hellas is back at Hutchinson Public Schools USD 308 to replace the existing running track surface and convert Don Michael Field from natural grass to synthetic turf. School officials selected the epiQ Tracks V300 track surface, Hellas Matrix® Turf with Helix Technology, a Cushdrain® pad, and the cooler Ecotherm™ infill.
Director of Operations Randy Norwood said, “Hellas built our track nine years ago and did excellent work. The track is used from dawn to dusk by the schools and many in the community for exercise.”
This time Hellas is upgrading the stadium from natural grass to Hellas’ Matrix Helix Turf, the same turf used by the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, and Miami Dolphins, adding a Cushdrain pad that will provide extra protection from injuries for athletes and allow for rapid drainage after storms.
“We needed a durable and reliable field surface, in case of rain event, so it doesn’t impact our playing and practicing abilities,” Norwood said. “We went through our coop Greenbush to select Hellas for this project. We have a great relationship with Hellas and wanted to use them again.”
Norwood likes that Hellas offers many options to customize fields. Because it gets into the 100°s and stays hot in the fall in Kansas, officials were looking for cooler options when choosing the infill.
“We heard about the new Ecotherm infill and decided it would be the way to go,” Norwood said. “We can’t wait to experience the results.”
The Ecotherm infill will keep the field surface about 20° cooler than a regular synthetic turf field with black crumb rubber. The field is used not only by the football teams, band, and drill team, but also by the community, including the YMCA and Hutchinson recreation leagues.
Construction starts in October, finishing before the spring sports season.
“Back when Hellas installed our track the first time we toured some of their fields and tracks. We were impressed then,” Norwood said. “Nine years later, we are still impressed and choosing Hellas again.”
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Hellas Construction, Inc. headquartered in Austin, TX, is the largest vertically-integrated sports construction company in the United States, specializing in the general construction of sports facilities and sports surfaces. Hellas champions innovative artificial turf manufacturing, base construction, field, track and tennis planning, along with installation and maintenance. hellasconstruction.com
Hutchinson Public Schools USD 308- Located in Hutchinson, Kansas. usd308.com
Dallas Cowboys headquartered at The Star in Frisco, TX, part of the NFL's NFC East Division. dallascowboys.com
Houston Texans headquartered in Houston, TX at NRG Stadium, part of the NFL's AFC South Division. houstontexans.com
Miami Dolphins headquartered in Davie, FL., with home field at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, part of the NFL's AFC East Division. miamidolphins.com
Jacksonville Jaguars headquartered in Jacksonville, FL, part of the NFL’s AFC South Division, playing at TIAA Bank Field, formerly Everbank Field. jaguars.com