This-N-That
Latest Crumb Rubber Research Supports Its Safety
Austin, Texas—The latest objective, comprehensive crumb rubber research study supports the existing body of data that the infill material is safe as used in synthetic turf fields.
Act Global released the independent testing and published analysis, performed in cooperation with organic chemist R. William Tilford and three accredited testing institutes. Tilford has a doctorate in organic chemistry and 14 years of experience as a research chemist.
In a recent episode of NBC Nightly News, the show raised concerns regarding the health risks of crumb rubber infill. “…The International Agency for Research on Cancer labels four carcinogens [arsenic, benzene, cadmium,
nickel] while adding that at low levels of exposure, they are considered safe.”
Tilford’s research paper analyzed not only the four carcinogens noted by NBC, but test data of 83 substances including trace metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatiles/PAHs. Analysis concludes that no substances were measured at a higher concentration than what may be found in background typical air, soil and surrounding environments, and many substances were completely undetected. Standardized, modern and objective test protocols were utilized per U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and European Union toy safety standards.
“This collective body of data supports that this sample of crumb rubber is safe,” cited Tilford in the study. “The analyzed samples offered no apparent hazard.”
The research paper and independent lab reports are available from the company by emailing cholman@actglobal.com.
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Field Notes
BSN SPORTS, a direct marketer and distributor of sporting goods to school and league markets, has acquired B&B Athletics based in Waco, Texas. B&B, in operation since 1984, is a distributor of team apparel and equipment and was formerly a member of the SPORTS INC. buying group.
Littlejohn & Co., LLC, a private investment firm based in Greenwich, Conn., announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire PlayPower Holdings, Inc., a global provider of play, sport and recreation facilities and equipment, from Apollo Investment Corporation. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Neptune Benson, a manufacturer of water filtration products serving the aquatics, industrial and municipal markets, hired Emmett Jorgensen as the Corporate Director of Marketing. Prior to Neptune Benson, Emmett was the International Marketing Manager for Hanna Instruments, Inc.
Profile Products LLC—a provider of soil, water, and vegetation management solutions used by international mining companies, golf and sports complexes, retail lawn and garden centers, and others—has been acquired by Platte River Equity. The company will retain the same management team, 200+-employee workforce, and all four existing locations, while using Platte River’s investment resources and strategic assistance to drive new growth.
Redexim Turf Products, the factory direct store for Redexim North America, based in Valley Park, Mo., hired John Elsea of Wentzville, Mo., to join their sales staff.
Dixie Chopper, owned by Jacobsen, a Textron Inc. company, has appointed Jason Sentell as National Sales Manager. He was previously a Dixie Chopper Territory Sales Manager, serving customers and dealers in western North and South Carolina. David Hunt will take over Sentell’s role, having previously served as a Product Sales Demonstrator for the same territory.
Waterplay Solutions hired Lisa Neilson as the company’s new managing director. This leadership position will provide enhanced support to all Waterplay operations and marks a pivotal step in guiding the future growth and development of the organization.
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Cre8Play Hits It Out Of The Park
A new playground designed to resemble the skyline as seen from the Pittsburgh Pirates PNC Park recently opened for children of all abilities just beyond the outfield of The Miracle League ball field of Upper St. Clair, Penn. This baseball-themed play environment hit a grand-slam for inclusive play and was described as “the coolest playground ever,” by Pirates President Frank Coonelly. Interactive from ball to glove, this environment designed and built by Cre8Play takes inclusive design to a whole new level, going far beyond ADA standards. Visit cre8play.com/news for more information.
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Calendar
October
6-9 Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference, Mankato, Minn.; www.mnrpa.org
7-9 World Aquatic Health Conference, Scottsdale, Ariz.—Scottsdale Plaza Resort; www.nspf.org
13-16 Colorado Parks & Recreation Association, Breckenridge, Colo.—Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center; www.cpra-web.org
21-23 Arkansas Recreation and Parks Association Annual Conference and Trade Show, Hot Springs, Ark.—Hot Springs Convention Center; www.arkarpa.org
22-23 The Green Industry and Equipment (GIE) Expo, Louisville, Ky.—Kentucky Exposition Center;
(800) 558-8767 or www.gie-expo.com
November
2-5 Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Conference, Dalton, Ga.; www.grpa.org
7-10 Virginia Recreation & Park Society Annual Conference, Virginia Beach, Va.—Hilton at 31st Street & Virginia Beach Convention Center; www.vrps.com
15-19 Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association Conference, Kingsport, Tenn.; www.trpa.net
December
4-8 American Sports Builders Association Annual Technical Meeting, Scottsdale, Ariz.—Fairmont Scottsdale Princess; www.sportsbuilders.org