Crocker Amazon Soccer Fields features multi-use fields distributed across two levels, attracting significant interest from both youth and adult sports participants, as well as the surrounding community. Due to the extensive use of the facility, the synthetic turf fields had reached the end of their operational lifespan, prompting the City and County of San Francisco’s Recreation and Parks Department to initiate a replacement project. While soccer remains the primary sport at this complex, the turf replacement plan also incorporated additional striping for youth football and lacrosse. To enhance the facility’s utility, smaller youth soccer fields were strategically positioned perpendicular to the main adult soccer fields.
Early in the project, drainage improvements were identified to address settling issues in low areas, which were assessed through permeability testing of the existing rock base and drainage trench. Following these tests, Verde Design seized the opportunity to enhance the subdrainage at the field’s low end by introducing new drain rock materials that seamlessly connected to the adjacent permeable rock, ensuring a smooth transition. Consistent with other turf replacement initiatives undertaken by the City, the project included the installation of a drainage/shock pad beneath the synthetic turf, along with tapering the field edges to accommodate this pad. Furthermore, as part of the turf removal process, a standard end-of-life synthetic turf recycling procedure was implemented. In addition to the field replacement efforts, Verde Design worked in conjunction with the City’s Department of Public Works to upgrade surrounding areas, which included enhancements to perimeter fencing and improvements in accessibility.
