FIELD OF THE YEAR SCHOOLS AND PARKS SOCCER
2022-23 at Walsh Field was truly unique for our crew . We saw the inevitable increase in events and had typical maintenance issues accompanied by some trying weather , but also got the opportunity to host some special external events outside of Pace Academy athletics .
Our sports season started in fall with a lopsided football schedule . We had most of our home games in September and October , which is typically when we plan our overseeding maintenance . This made our job more trying because we had to time our aerification , topdressing and overseeding in a window where our field ’ s aesthetics and playability would not falter . That initial overseed period sets Walsh Field ’ s tone for not only the end of football season , but also for the winter season of flag football , as well as our slate of spring sports .
With flag football ending in early December , we only had a couple of weeks to prepare for our soccer season at Walsh Field , which was made extra difficult by belowfreezing temperatures we encountered for multiple days in a row . To avoid irrigation issues we have encountered in the past , we drained our irrigation lines and insulated all of our valve boxes to mitigate damage .
Following our spring soccer season , we had another short window to prepare for Newcastle United to train at our facilities . We only had a month to convert our overseeded soccer pitch back to solely bermudagrass . This meant we had to expedite our maintenance plan by a couple of weeks and push our grow-in to ensure Newcastle had a professional playing surface they felt comfortable training on . During their week-long training sessions , we encountered yet another hurdle from Mother Nature as it rained more than three inches in a matter of 24 hours . Luckily , our crew ’ s hard work in preparation leading up to their arrival as rewarded , and they did not have to alter any training plans .
Our main goal each year is to provide the safest and best-looking field we possibly can for our student athletes and any other athletes that train on Walsh Field . We accomplish this by strategically planning our maintenance , being able to adjust to all weatherrelated hurdles and added events , and ultimately through our work ethic and drive .
— Daniel Prince , Riverview facilities manager sportsfieldmanagementonline . com December 2024 | SportsField Management
11