Near West

With synthetic turf fields, we are able to meet the needs of our students in providing recreational and sport club opportunities on a consistent and reliable basis. Over the past several years, at least 40% of Rec Well-scheduled outdoor events and programs have been canceled due to wet and unplayable natural grass field conditions. We have seen a significant increase in interest from our students and sport clubs to participate in outdoor recreational opportunities.

Additionally, without having enough lighted field space on campus, it was impossible to spread out activities to avoid worn-out areas on the natural grass. We have seen a significant growth in interest from our students to participate in outdoor recreational opportunities and sport clubs to stay active and physically fit.

Installing synthetic turf was the only viable option to keep up with demand and to be able to schedule multiple uses of the fields on a regular basis. The synthetic turf field will be able to drain water quickly and safely without damaging the surface, and will extend playable seasons without the need to irrigate or use chemicals or fertilizers.

As is the case for all Rec Well facilities and outdoor spaces, the turf field can be reserved for special events by student organizations, university departments or community groups. To rent space, fill out our Special Events Request Form online. On this site, you will also find policies, procedures, requirements, and pricing.

The main entry to the facility is on the north side of Observatory Drive. Please see the map of the facility for a visual.

Fencing is required for several reasons. First, we have had consistent problems on the existing fields losing soccer balls, baseballs, softballs, footballs, frisbees, etc. into the bioswales planted around the south and east sides of the fields. Fencing will keep the majority of the balls on the field and out of the stormwater management system and bioswales. Second, the fencing allows us to control access to the fields during special events and tournaments. In some cases, these may be ticketed events. The majority of the time, the fields will be open for daytime pick-up game activities by students, UW-Madison affiliates, and other community members just as they historically have been.

Yes. In many ways, synthetic turf is safer than natural grass because of the uniform playing surface, instant water drainage, and consistent footing. Additionally, the Mondo FTS Turf System with Ecofill has industry-leading G-max values. The facility has been tested not to exceed 145 g’s over the lifespan of the system.

Lake Mendota and the Lakeshore Nature Preserve were at the forefront of our planning and review of this project. The Near West Playfields will not have a negative impact on wildlife or the surrounding area because the Ecofill is designed not to migrate – meaning it will stay in place and not move into the drainages leading into the lake. Additionally, the Ecofill is heavy metal free, free of Polycyclic Anomatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), and recyclable. Since the artificial turf does not require irrigation, the overall drainage into Lake Mendota will be greatly reduced. For more information, please review the Environmental Impact Assessment. Finally, Mondo Ecofill passed the European toy toxicity test – EN71-3, affirming there will be no health implications if it were to be ingested, making it the only turf system infill worldwide to pass this test.

This site is the destination for several organized sports. Flag football and one soccer field have full permanent lines on the field. Soccer, baseball, softball, and lacrosse have some permanent lines or key markings on the field that can be completed with synthetic turf paint as necessary. Ultimate frisbee can also be played on the flag football fields.

Intramural soccer, flag football, softball, and ultimate frisbee are scheduled to be played on the Near West Playfields. We also plan to offer new intramural sports, so stay tuned!

We recommend participants bring their Wiscard, as our staff may periodically ask you to show your Wiscard. Our goal is to ensure that only current students and Rec Well members are using the facility.

Our staff will be present during open recreation hours to check out sports equipment, including balls and batting cage equipment. In order to check out equipment, you must present your Wiscard to the staff member, who will assist you. You will be responsible for any unreturned equipment. Late or damage fees may also apply.

The lights are scheduled to remain on during scheduled programming such as Intramural Sports, Sport Clubs, or special events. The lights will shut off by midnight at the latest.

Yes. Since bicycles are not allowed on the synthetic turf field, there are newly installed bicycle racks around the perimeter of the field, near access gates. Moped parking can be found directly to the south of the main entrance to the facility.

Yes, around the baseball and softball backstops, participants will find dugouts with available seating. There are also portable bleachers available for events.

Tents or other equipment requiring stakes are not permitted on the turf. Tents that can be secured with water barrels or other approved weights are allowed.

Rubber or plastic cleats are permitted on the turf. Metal cleats are not allowed, except for approved UW-Madison Club Baseball or Softball events.

Water in sealable and shatterproof containers is permitted within the facility, but no other food or drink is allowed.

Due to the close proximity to the UW Hospital and the need to medevac patients, kites are not permitted on Near West Fields.

In accordance with UW-Madison Policies and Guidelines and FAA requirements, drones are not allowed on Near West Fields.

Service animals are permitted on the Near West Fields. No other pets are allowed on the fields.