Background

Melanie Koslow, Executive Director of Maintenance, Operations and Facilities for Mt. Diablo School District, found herself at a crossroads. The existing artificial turf field at Mt. Diablo High School in Concord, California, had reached the end of its lifespan sooner than expected due to drainage issues that accelerated its deterioration. The school needed a replacement artificial turf field so that play didn’t have to be put on pause. 

With limited athletic opportunities previously offered at the school, Koslow saw the artificial grass replacement as a turning point to invest in greater access to play for students at Mt. Diablo and children in the Concord community.  

With students’ need for safety, longevity and performance in mind, she carefully evaluated leading artificial grass brands to find the best field available and show the community that the school district supports getting kids involved in sports.

Solution

Koslow did not take this decision lightly. After extensive research, she chose Pivot^® Performance Turf by TenCate for the multi-sport facilities at Mt. Diablo High School. Pivot checked all her boxes: artificial grass durability, an industry-leading 12-year warranty, and a low-maintenance system with no performance turf infill. She selected Pivot knowing that its reliability would give the facility an opportunity to grow five-day per week programs for all sports and ages in Concord and surrounding areas. 

Koslow also recognized that Pivot features more fibers per square foot than other artificial turf grass, giving kids a safer, more stable surface to play on. The turf is engineered to mimic natural grass, offering shock absorption and footing a level up from competing options.

Despite unexpected drainage issues from the previous artificial turf field, Pivot installation remained smooth and on schedule. 

Results

Since the high-performance turf installation, athletic participation at Mt. Diablo High School and the surrounding Concord community has surged. Students now have daily athletic opportunities all year round. Local leagues use the Pivot field to introduce kids to athletics early, establishing a lifelong love for sports and increasing the likelihood of continued play through high school and beyond. 

Koslow says, “When we get our youth involved in sports at an early age, they are more likely to continue through their high school experience. I want to be able to support our coaches and our administration in bringing that to our community from the time they’re little through their high school career.”  

The new Pivot all-weather artificial grass supported Koslow in her goal, ensuring that kids at Mt. Diablo and across the Concord community have access to a facility where they can be active outside and play with their peers.  

Conclusion

The installation of Pivot performance turf at Mt. Diablo High School is a symbol of long-term investment — in students, in equitable play and in the broader Concord community. The school now offers a safe, high-quality artificial grass system that gives more kids of all ages the chance to play and grow healthy habits that last a lifetime. 

With Pivot turf and a dedication to building the high-performance facility their students deserve, Melanie Koslow and the Mt. Diablo School District created a field that supports continued play for student athletes throughout the whole community.