(WASHINGTON, DC) – The Department of General Services (DGS) is pleased to announce that G-MAX testing of synthetic turf fields, held in all eight (8) wards from June 28 through July 14 is now complete.  All 61 of the District’s synthetic turf fields have passed and are fully operational.  One field at the Joseph Cole Recreation Center (Cole) did not pass an initial test.  An immediate repair was made to the Cole field and the following day an enhanced repair was made.  The field was retested and received a passing score.  G-MAX 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.

“The Department of General Services (DGS) is working hard so that residents and visitors can continue to play safely on the District’s synthetic turf fields, said Keith A. Anderson, DGS Director.  “It’s important to us that we adhere to industry standard protocols because doing so results in enjoyable field turf experiences.  This year’s results show that the District’s turf fields are in a healthy condition.”

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 G-MAX Reports 2021 | dgs (dc.gov).