The list of sports teams that won't play on the city's new $1.3-million Minto Field due to safety concerns is growing.

Among them are the Nepean Nighthawks field hockey club -- an organization for which the new turf was specifically installed. The Nighthawks have joined the chorus of those complaining, a group that started with minor and flag football teams. Officials for those clubs say they're experiencing more cuts, abrasions and other injuries on the new surface.

"We've had precisely the same issues that football does. It's an extremely abrasive surface and what the city has purchased is a very low-grade product that frankly we haven't seen since the 1980s," said Sandeep Chopra, the director of player development for the Nighthawks, offering their opinion on the surface.

The club has about 200 players; three of whom represented Canada at the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic Games.

For decades, Minto Field has been a "multi-purpose" venue for football, soccer and field hockey. The new field, which opened last month, was purchased to replace outdated AstroTurf.

Minto is the only site in Ottawa designated for competitive field hockey. Because of this, area Coun. Keith Egli told the Sun this week staff were directed to purchase a replacement that would accommodate the sport -- but also be suitable for other sports.

The critics say that has not happened.

"It's so bad that when any player (slides or) falls, your skin is torn literally right off your body," Chopra said.

Egli is now trying to broker a solution.

Also adding to the list of disappointed sports executives is Steve Dean, president of the National Capital Amateur Football Association. One of its members, the Myers Riders, told the Sun it is seeking a new field on which to play next season.

Citing the "raspberry effect," Dean said the field is unacceptable.

"I don't think we're going to be playing there," he said. Dean is also "doubtful" about remedies city hall is considering.

The turf at Minto Sports Field uses sand instead of the infill of small rubber pellets on many other new artificial turf fields. One suggestion is to remove the sand and fill it with fine rubber.

Chopra said the modification would cost the field its certification for high-level games. But, he said, it might be the best compromise.

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