Wellness Initiative brings new Turf to Goodfellow Published Aug. 6, 2013 By 1st Lt. Leanne Hedgepeth 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Goodfellow will install artificial turf on the base softball field to transition it from a sports to a multi-purpose field, and eliminate the safety issues that have plagued the field due to drought conditions. Preparations for the installation began in early June. Goodfellow transitions to the new turf field to provide another physical fitness area for all assigned services to meet and conduct physical training on a daily basis. The new turf surface also alleviates safety concerns associated with holes created by local pests and eliminates Goodfellow's water consumption for the field, thus aiding the base in achieving water reduction goals. "Currently, because of the drought, hot weather conditions and water restrictions, the softball field grass is essentially dead, producing lots of dust and mud whenever it rains," said Mary Lumsdon, 17th Civil Engineer Squadron base energy manager. "Artificial turf will eliminate all of these conditions, save water and make the area more attractive." The Office of the Secretary of Defense Fitness Program funded the new softball field in 2012 with residual funds from the draw down of overseas troops which is then used to meet Department of Defense wellness initiatives. The field will still be used as a softball field while in season; however, this opens up use year-round for other physical activities such as group physical training and base events. Goodfellow can also experience benefits from decreased field upkeep man-hours since sprinkler head repair and consistent field painting will no longer be required. The multi-purpose field project was submitted in 2003 and programmed in 2004. The project is scheduled to be complete in December 2013.
