$1.7M play surface features synthetic turf

NEW REC SITE – The Mabel Lee Field site allows for a variety of recreation options, including football, soccer, kickball, lacrosse, ultimate Frisbee and a running track. Courtesy image.

The synthetic turf recreation fields at 16th and W streets opened for Campus Recreation use on Sept. 15.

The fields feature Prestige synthetic turf, the same used in rec fields at 17th and Vine streets. Other amenities include lighting, wrought iron fencing, sidewalks and a support facility.

FIELD TOUR – Campus Rec employees tour the new Mabel Lee field complex, located east of Mabel Lee Hall, on Sept. 12. The fields opened for Campus Rec use on Sept. 15. Photo by Troy Fedderson, University Communications.

The site includes two fields that will be used for intramural sports and sport club activities, including flag football, soccer, rugby, lacrosse, ultimate Frisbee and kickball. The rec site can also be used for jogging, measuring a mile in four and three-quarters laps.

The fields have an estimated 12-year life span before needing to be re-surfaced.

Campus Rec is managing programming for and scheduling of the new fields.

Nemaha Construction of Lincoln was the construction contractor. Project site management was by Facilities Management and Planning.

Funding for the project was financed through: PepsiCo Inc. via the UNL pouring rights contract ($1 million); the Office of Student Affairs ($400,000); and UNL Campus Recreation via student fees ($335,000).

— University Communications