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16 <br /> o Phase 2 is expected to add at least 2.5 (effectively three) new fields. An 8- <br /> field complex can host bigger tournaments and increase revenues. (The <br /> expansion will also require additional staff and equipment, however). <br /> o More parking is desperately needed and would be a significant component <br /> of the expansion of the facility. The expansion would also create a much <br /> needed second entrance/exit. <br /> o Restroom and equipment storage availability is also a pressing need and <br /> could be addressed in the Phase 2 expansion. <br /> • Colocation Benefits and Challenges: Coordination with the middle school is of <br /> prime importance with the two facilities adjacent to each other and sharing a <br /> driveway and parking, and this brings many benefits. However, turnover in <br /> management staff tends to create loss of institutional memory on how the two <br /> facilities work together in areas like shared parking and requires revisiting the <br /> arrangements of the two facilities. <br /> • Grass Versus Synthetic Turf: The field surface at Soccer,com is Bermuda <br /> grass, and is widely considered a very well-maintained surface with many <br /> favorable comments noted by participants over the years. However, it must be <br /> noted that there continues to be a long-running debate about grass versus <br /> synthetic turf fields, with many advocates for both. Synthetic turf fields allow for <br /> more hours of play, though there are questions about health and safety. The <br /> County has made a major investment in Bermuda grass surfaces at this site over <br /> the last 15 years. As expansion is planned for and moves toward implementation, <br /> a key question to be revisited may be whether to introduce synthetic turf on some <br /> part of the facility in Phase 2. <br /> 13 <br />