Two years after The Bank of New Glarus Field opened at the New Glarus Community Complex, the artificial turf that helped transform the district’s outdoor athletic facilities is entering its third fall season with plenty of miles on it — but little indication that those miles are taking an unusual toll.

New Glarus School District Athletic Director Mitchell Cernek said the field has required some minor repairs, including occasional small tears or seam repairs, but consultations with AstroTurf have indicated those are normal maintenance issues for a heavily used artificial surface. The district has also added more rubber infill to the field as the material becomes displaced or leaves the playing surface through normal use.

The additional infill helps support the turf fibers and keep the surface performing as intended. Cernek said the district has also learned where additional attention is needed, particularly in high-use areas such as soccer penalty-kick and corner-kick locations where infill can become displaced more quickly.

Perhaps most importantly, Cernek said there are no signs after two years that the turf is aging faster than expected. An AstroTurf representative visited New Glarus this spring and walked the field with district officials.