RENTON, WA – Renton School District has raised the bar, calling on Hellas Construction to install the first turf system consisting of Hellas’ Matrix® turf with Helix technology and ecotherm™ infill in the state of Washington. Surrounding the turf field, Hellas is also resurfacing the existing track with a new S200 epiQ Track. “Hellas is honored to be selected as the sports construction provider for Renton School District,” says Hellas V.P. of Business Development Northwest Region Justin Rose. “Special thanks to the voters of Renton School District, from which projects like this would not be possible without their support,” added Rose.
The Helix feature consists of shape memory technology added during the manufacturing process securing the turf’s infill. The spiraled shaped monofilament fibers of Renton Memorial Stadium’s new Matrix turf will not only give the student-athletes an aesthetically pleasing playing surface, but will offer a superior level of resiliency, stability, and durability second to none. Three high schools and four middle schools in Renton School District perform at this classic Renton Memorial Stadium, which was built in 1948.
Renton Athletic Director Brian Kaelin says, “Pride will rise to new levels in Renton. It's truly an honor to give back to the community in difficult times with a brand-new synthetic turf field and track by Hellas.” Kaelin, like most athletic directors, realizes the benefits of sports and extra-curricular activities. Renovations at historic Renton Memorial Stadium have placed the student-athletes of Renton SD first. “Sports provide structure, organization, teamwork, problem-solving, and it builds life skills,” according to Kaelin. Research shows that students who get involved in activities do much better academically and socially. It’s a time when socializing might be at a distance but is needed in society.
Purchased through the King County Directors’ Association (KCDA) Cooperative, Renton School District is excited to be able to give the voters what they want. “We have a long-standing relationship with the Renton School District and Hellas Construction and very much appreciate the opportunity to work with both of these fine organizations,” said KCDA Director of Marketing Dane Hewitt.
“With a high use facility like Renton Memorial Stadium you need a turf system that can hold up to the extreme use. Matrix Helix is the only fiber that can provide the long wear needed for this amount of play. Matrix Helix™ provides all players a level playing field, while the ecotherm is a safe, non-toxic infill,” Rose adds. Matrix Helix is currently being installed at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and So-Fi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Ecotherm infill is made from recycled vinyl TPU and cellulose plant fibers. The uniquely shaped ecotherm granules pull moisture from the air to reduce field surface temperatures by as much as 20 degrees compared to synthetic turf with black crumb rubber. The ecotherm infill requires no watering and will save the school district financially with the amount of play Renton Memorial Stadium will require.
The epiQ S200 track consists of a porous paved-in-place synthetic running track sports surface and is comprised of a bottom layer of polyurethane bound rubber granules topped with a spray-applied coat of polyurethane. The result is a durable, resilient, textured, all-weather surface that will truly accent the Matrix Helix system and ecotherm infill in Renton.
Hellas Construction, Inc. headquartered in Austin, TX, is the largest vertically-integrated sports construction contractor in the United States, specializing in the general construction of sports facilities and sports surfaces. Hellas champions innovative artificial turf manufacturing, base construction, field, track and tennis planning, along with installation and maintenance. hellasconstruction.com
King County Directors’ Association (KCDA) headquartered in Seattle, Washington and founded in 1938 by school board members in King County, is a public agency authorized to accept members from all states. KCDA is a purchasing cooperative owned by Washington’s public-school districts. KCDA saves money for its members by ordering in volume supporting purchasing and distribution requirements.
Renton School District is located in King County in the town of Renton, Washington and consists of three high schools (Renton, Hazen, and Lindbergh) and several middle schools (Dimmitt, McKnight, Nelsen, and Risdon). Renton Memorial Stadium is the host site of the three high schools and four middle schools in the district for various extra-curricular events. rentonschools.us
Media Contact: Jeff Power
Hellas Construction Content Writer
(512) 297-5708
