The answer to both problems, some administrators are beginning to believe, is the installation of artificial turf. Formerly the exclusive province of professional and college programs, turf is being considered as a solution to weather and overuse problems plaguing high school fields in several towns covered by Globe West. And area athletic directors are particularly intrigued by a new material being marketed that alleviates the biggest concern of artificial turf - that it is more prone to causing injury. Virtually all artificial playing surfaces in use now are made of Astroturf, a substance that is weather-resistant and easily maintained, but is believed by many to cause injuries because it is very hard and has very little give. The new turf has been installed at Boston University, where Boston's new professional women's soccer team will play, and at Catholic Memorial, and is being installed at Danehy Park in Cambridge.
Some administrators are hesitant about the new turf, however, for two reasons.
This product is so new, it has no track record,'' said Stephen Fader, Wellesley's town manager. Fader is a member of the town's Playing Fields Task Force, which has just begun to explore the possibility of bringing the new material to Wellesley High. But many say that over time, the new turf will actually prove cheaper than natural grass. Manufacturers predict the turf would last 10 to 12 years. But the real benefit of turf is that it can be put to nonstop use without being harmed.