Experience at Play: John Keno & Co. Delivers One-Stop Excellence for Synthetic Turf Field & Track Projects

The replacement or installation of synthetic turf running tracks, play lots and other sporting fields might seem like a relatively simple project, but getting a football field or baseball diamond renovated and game-ready on time, on budget, and without expensive complications is a job that calls for meticulous processes and plenty of experience.

Like athletic performances, sports field renovations can be derailed by the smallest miscalculations.

Demolition, excavation, utility work, curbing, paving and surfacing work must be carefully synchronized, along with the installation of specialty products, coatings and equipment.

The work has to meet unerring quality control and safety standards, as well the requirements of sporting regulatory bodies, and often must be completed on an unforgiving timeline to ensure no disruption to game schedules.

It’s not a job for just any excavation contractor.

The JKC Advantage for Synthetic Turf Athletic Fields

That’s why so many Chicago area high schools, colleges, professional sports organizations and government agencies turn to John Keno & Co. to build or renovate playing fields into top condition with synthetic turf that doesn’t turn to mud in soggy weather.

With over two decades of experience doing such work, John Keno & Co. often serves as prime contractor on these projects.

That’s a big advantage for clients because as prime contractor, we drive the schedule – self-performing the foundational sitework including demolition, earthwork, sewer, water and base stone – and hiring and managing subcontractors for concrete, curbs, asphalt, synthetic surfacing, paving and equipment installation. Working as prime contractor also minimizes overhead and markups, keeping costs down for our clients.

It’s a one-stop project for the property owners and everyone else depending on a fumble-free and on-time completion.

A Perfect Track Record

All excavation and demolition work comes with a timeline, but few projects have as little room for error as athletic field work for high schools and colleges. The work has to be done in the summer and completed before school starts. Delays by any single contractor or vendor are compounded down the line. Inexperienced contractors can be tripped up by any number of pitfalls, like specialized equipment manufactured by special order that can take six to eight months to fulfill, or the not-uncommon challenge of unforeseen underground complications.

From unmarked storage tanks to specialized waste soils, to the discovery of grave sites, the JKC team has seen it all, and is unmatched when it comes to problem solving. Our “can do, will do” approach keeps projects on track and ensures safe and effective resolution of unforeseen issues.

At John Keno & Co., we have built relationships with manufacturers of specialty sporting equipment and synthetic turf, and we have mastered the art of high-quality work on an impossible timeline. In completing nearly 30 play lot, athletic track and field projects over the years, from elementary school playgrounds to professional sports fields, we’ve never had a project delivered late. While every job is unique, our commitment to safety, integrity, innovation and teamwork underpins every project we take on.

Connect with us to learn more about the benefits of putting JKC on your team. You can also read more about our park and athletic field projects in our case studies.