New field of green replaces dust bowl of old Published Nov. 30, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Jette Warnick 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- A new $1.4 million artificial field near the fitness center containing an 80-yard football/soccer field with, a PT-test approved rubberized track and sit-up pad is now open for use. A ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 27 officially opened the field that hosted the end of the flag football season earlier in the month. The old field with its uneven playing surface due to multiple games per night as well as the many gopher holes, posed a safety hazard, said Rob Ewers, the sports and fitness director, 27th Special Operations Force Support Squadron. These hazards were alleviated in the new field with artificial turf, he said. "We no longer have soil compaction and erosion issues," said Mr. Ewers. "We can play multiple activities year-round." Airman 1st Class Donovan Gaddis, material manager apprentice, 27th Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron said he enjoys playing flag football on the new track. "I love the new field, even though I only played twice on it," Airman Gaddis said. "Just having the feeling that you're safe and don't have to worry about spraining your ankle is awesome." The old field shared space with a baseball diamond which turned it into a "dust bowl", said Chief Master Sgt. Theodore Millard, chief enlisted manager, 27th Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron. "The new field should prevent some injuries because of how soft it is," said Chief Master Sgt. Milliard. "When you fall, you land on a nice cushy surface instead of that hard, dust-bowl, rock-clay stuff." Airman Gaddis said he wishes he could have played on the new field more, he said. There is a visible difference between the two. "There aren't any problems with the new field," said Airman Gaddis. "It's perfect."