(WASHINGTON, DC) – The Department of General Services (DGS) is pleased to announce that G-MAX testing of synthetic turf fields in all eight wards is now complete. As a result, 55 out of the District’s 56 synthetic turf fields have passed G-MAX testing. One field at Upshur Recreation Center did not pass testing and will remain offline until a full replacement is made which is anticipated in the fall of 2020. G-MAX testing assesses a field’s surface hardness impact and is the standard most commonly used by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International.

“Protocols that were established to ensure the safety of all users of the District’s synthetic turf fields are proving to be beneficial, said Keith A. Anderson, Director of the Department of General Services. “These results also show that the work of the District’s Interagency Working Group on Artificial Turf and Playgrounds has been very effective.”

Three synthetic turf fields initially failed hardness testing this summer and were taken offline for the necessary repairs. These fields include Emery Community Center, Marie Reed Recreation Center and Hardy Middle School and have since been repaired and have passed a second round of testing.

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 can indicate the field requires remediation per ASTM standards. Remediation of fields can range from providing minor infill top-off to providing sectional replacements. DGS is following G-MAX field turf protocols established by the District’s Interagency Working Group on Artificial Turf and Playgrounds.

For more information on the District’s G-MAX impact testing status, please click here.

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