FIELD RENOVATION

By Mary Helen Sprecher

Photo courtesy of The Motz Group

It ’ s the time of year when fields , having hosted months of practice and games , look rutted , muddy and even skinned in places . Nothing seems to be helping , and the field manager can see a renovation is on the horizon .

The knee-jerk reaction of the owner , though , is to blame the grass or even the builder . After all , the field is made to host sports , right ? It logically follows , then , that the turf should be able to withstand use .

Field builders and design professionals say that ’ s not always the case . A host of problems can be presenting themselves – and it is essential to have an open dialogue about what is happening .

According to Amy Fouty , CSFM , field consultant at The Motz Group , an open dialogue should start upon installation and continue on a regular basis .

“ When a field is installed , there are certain expectations regarding the safety and playability of the surface ,” said Fouty . “ Each end of year ( or season ), the field should be discussed in terms of these expectations and the amount of maintenance practices being performed on the surface . Sports field managers are stewards of the field and will advocate for the things needed to meet these expectations .”

But there ’ s another factor that can be just as important , although it is often overlooked in such discussions , said Fouty .

“ If activity occurs on the surface that is contradictory to the expectations set , discussion should occur , and additional funds set aside , to mitigate poor outcomes .”

Examples might include a sports field that is also pressed into service to host non-athletic events , such as festivals , concerts or graduations . Make a list of these events and plan well in advance to avoid problems .

According to Brian R . Lee , CFB , of Hellas Construction , there are telltale signs – poor drainage , bald spots in

18 SportsField Management | December 2021 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com