SYRACUSE — Syracuse wants a soccer complex. Soccer fields require a specific kind of grading. The construction companies needed some training.
Sounds like the makings of a partnership.
"In two days, we did a three-week project," said Lance Greer, survey and machine control manager for W.W. Clyde.
W.W. Clyde was one of three sister companies that wanted to give machine operators training on GPS-controlled heavy equipment.
Computer systems that use global positioning satellites to help operators with site preparation have been making inroads into construction companies over the past five years, Greer said.
The earth movers, graders and bulldozers the companies brought to a 35-acre parcel were outfitted with computer software that used GPS information to help operators know how to manage the dirt they were grading for a dozen soccer fields located about 2500 West and Antelope Drive.
Normally, it's a painstaking process for a surveyor to mark the ground with stakes, Greer said, but the GPS software usually allows jobs to be done 25 percent more quickly.
"It makes an operator who is really good without it that much better," he said, adding that the software doesn't drive the machine; it's just a tool for the operators.
Syracuse's project was done even more quickly because W.W. Clyde, Geneva Rock and Sunroc brought extra machines for their annual training.
"We did our training. We gave back to the community," Greer said.
And Syracuse got at least $200,000 worth of site preparation work for free along with the initial stages of a 16-field soccer complex.
Syracuse city administrator Rodger Worthen said the city is grateful for the companies' help because it was a critical first step in building the complex.
The work will allow the city to pick away at the rest of the project, which could be completed within a couple of years.
"I wish we had the money available to bring it to fruition," Worthen said.
The problem facing Syracuse is diminished impact fees, which is what the city uses to build park facilities. Because little building is happening in Syracuse, the city receives few impact fees.
Syracuse public works director Mike Waite said the city still needs to install a sprinkling system, underground utilities, grass and some soccer amenities.
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