Artificial Turf in Minneapolis Creates a Rooftop Oasis for Residents

Minneapolis, MN – Community green spaces play an important role in our mental and physical health. Yet according to the Trust for Public Land, about one in three Americans, including 28 million children, don’t have a park within a 10-minute walk of home. Many residents of affordable housing in cities face this challenge, which is why green spaces need to be built into urban developments from the start.

Currie Commons/Ernestine Apartments is an affordable residential community in Harrison, a diverse, community-oriented neighborhood of Minneapolis. To give residents a place to play and relax outdoors, Collage Architects collaborated with SYNLawn Minnesota to design and build outdoor amenity areas with artificial turf in Minneapolis on the building’s third-floor roof deck.

Creating Outdoor Living Spaces for a Multi-Family Community

SYNLawn Minnesota helped Collage Architects make the most of an unused roof deck by creating three outdoor living spaces for residents:

• A futsal and soccer court for active play
• A comfortable lounge area for relaxing and socializing
• A play area featuring seven turf-covered mounds in varying sizes and shapes

To build these recreational and social spaces, the team installed 2,264 square feet of SYNFescue 60 and 1,216 square feet of SYNSport.

Durable, Eco-Friendly Turf for a Minnesota Rooftop

SYNFescue 60 is ideal for this type of project thanks to its optimal drainage, high-traffic durability, and UV-stabilized grass fibers that resist fading and wear. It combines a lush, natural look with a soft, comfortable feel underfoot.

SYNSport is one of the safest synthetic surfacing products available. It’s manufactured with Super Yarn™ Technology and unique additives such as Sanitized® Antimicrobial Technology, DualChill™ IR Reflective Technology, and StatBlock™ Anti-Static Component. SYNSport also offers superior durability and support, and its Trionic Plus™ technology creates a softer, stronger, and longer-lasting turf.

Both SYNFescue 60 and SYNSport are environmentally friendly choices because they’re made with SYNLawn’s exclusive plant-based EnviroLoc+™ Backing System, created from renewable resources.

Additional benefits of synthetic surfacing for a residential community include:

• Non-toxic, lead-free materials provide a safer environment.
• It stays green without watering, mowing, or fertilizers.
• No harmful chemicals are needed to keep the turf pest-free.
• It doesn’t turn muddy after rain or spring snowmelt the way natural grass does.
• It’s safer than concrete or asphalt, absorbing shock to lessen the impact of falls and reduce injuries.
• Its smooth, stable surface is more accessible for people with mobility challenges.

Artificial Plant Walls Add Color to the Roof Deck

SYNLawn Minnesota also installed 24 synthetic plant wall panels from Calico Greens. The Hampton panels feature lush green boxwood foliage that brings color to any space. Rather than using steel art, the team used these panels to cover the building vents on the roof deck, adding even more greenery to the space.

Project at a glance:

• Location: Currie Commons/Ernestine Apartments, Harrison neighborhood, Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Installer: SYNLawn Minnesota
• Project partner: Collage Architects
• Project type: Third-floor roof deck amenity space for an affordable housing community
• Features: Futsal/soccer court, lounge area, and play area with seven mounds
• Products: 2,264 square feet of SYNFescue 60, 1,216 square feet of SYNSport, and 24 Calico Greens Hampton plant wall panels
• Recognition: “Most Complex Project” award at the annual SYNLawn Conference

An Award-Winning Project for Minneapolis Residents

SYNLawn Minnesota takes great pride in transforming this roof deck into green spaces that will support the health and well-being of residents for years to come. The team also earned the “Most Complex Project” award at the annual SYNLawn Conference for their impressive work on this extensive installation.

Bring Artificial Turf to Your Minneapolis Property

Every community deserves access to beautiful outdoor spaces. Whether you manage an apartment complex, a senior living community, a school, or a commercial property, SYNLawn Minnesota would love to help you create green spaces that residents and guests will enjoy. The team designs and installs custom rooftop, play, and recreational spaces throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and across Minnesota. Contact SYNLawn Minnesota today to talk through your ideas and get started.