The City of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has made a $55 million investment in public safety with the development of its state-of-the-art Public Safety Campus. Spanning 42 acres, this innovative hub is designed to support and enhance the operations of law enforcement, fire rescue, emergency management, and metro communications. The facility fosters collaboration among public safety departments, ensuring that first responders are fully prepared to handle real-world emergencies and challenges through comprehensive and advanced training programs.
Key features of the campus include a 911 dispatch facility, an Emergency Operations Center, the Chief Matt Burns Range for firearms and tactical training, and specialized tactical structures for realistic scenario-based exercises. The campus also offers an emergency vehicle operations course, a defensive tactics mat room equipped with a use-of-force training simulator, and an EMS simulation lab for hands-on medical response training. Additionally, both indoor and outdoor classrooms provide flexible learning environments for cadets, seasoned public safety professionals, and regional first responders. This cutting-edge facility exemplifies Sioux Falls’ dedication to advancing public safety through innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.
Firefighters entering a training facility, with SYNLawn providing a durable fire-resistant surface for their drills. Given regional weather conditions and shortened training timeframes, the SYNLawn solution extends the available critical trainings.
To support the rigorous training needs of firefighters and law enforcement, the City of Sioux Falls incorporated 15,405 square feet of SYNAugustine X47 and 1,005 square feet of SYNSport artificial turf. Provided by SYNLawn Mountain West, this soy polyol-backed turf was chosen for its biobased sustainability and performance under high-intensity use.
“Installing soy-biobased turf makes sense for its performance, safety and sustainability as well as it supports the economy of South Dakota, which is home to hundreds of soybean-growing farm families,” said Joe Makoutz, owner of SYNLawn Mountain West.
“I am proud that U.S. Soy is used in SYNLawn’s grass, including to support our first responders who keep our communities safe,” said Mike McCranie, a soybean farmer from South Dakota. “The Public Safety Campus’ soy-backed grass installation is another example of the exciting new uses for soybeans grown in states like South Dakota.”
The SYNLawn product meets or exceeds more than 16 important criteria, including it is manufactured without per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals”. A critical factor in selecting SYNLawn was its ASTM E-108 Class A Fire rating and fire-resistant qualities. Given the campus’ extensive fire training operations, including burn props and live-fire exercises, fire safety was a top priority. The SYNLawn turf not only meets stringent safety standards but also aligns with Sioux Falls’ commitment to sustainable solutions.
The installation of SYNLawn’s soy-backed artificial turf contributes to the campus’ operational efficiency and safety. The fire-resistant properties of the turf provide a safe training environment, reducing fire risks during exercises. Given regional weather conditions and shortened training timeframes, the SYNLawn solution extends the available critical trainings. The soy-based backing supports Sioux Falls’ sustainability goals by utilizing renewable materials. Designed for high-traffic and high-impact scenarios, the turf withstands intense use while maintaining performance. Additionally, compared to natural grass, the artificial turf reduces maintenance time and costs, allowing more focus on training.
Another view of SYNLawn at the Safety Campus
The Sioux Falls Public Safety Campus stands as a model for innovative and sustainable public safety training facilities. By integrating SYNLawn’s fire-resistant, soy-backed turf, the City of Sioux Falls ensures a safer, more resilient environment for its first responders. This strategic choice not only enhances the functionality of the campus but also reflects Sioux Falls’ dedication to safety, innovation, and sustainability in public service infrastructure.