FIELD CONSTRUCTION
project ,” said Matt Wimer of Hummer Turfgrass Systems , Inc . “ Usage details include sports types and age of players using the field , number of total events and other non-sports potential uses . Usage and expectations should be taken into consideration when planning the type of surfacing ( natural or artificial ), and other field infrastructure that is included in the construction , such as drainage and irrigation .”
While many field owners want to pay attention to the surface of the field , which is admittedly important , they often don ’ t take into consideration something equally important : what ’ s underneath that surface .
“ I think one of the big things that should always be considered is the existing subgrade ,” added Mike Czeschin of Byrne & Jones Sports Construction . “ That is the only way of making sure you start with a good , solid foundation from the beginning . Oftentimes , soil stabilization is required using lime or cement to modify the existing soil to create the proper compaction and base .”
A qualified soils engineer should be brought in at the outset of the project to assist with identifying any
potential problems . Ground water level determinations also are recommended , and are critical for sites where the possibility of a high water table exists . If the site for the field is in an area with poor drainage , flooding or seasonal water problems , it is essential to identify this in advance and address the problem in the beginning stages of the project . While soil remediation may add to the overall cost , it is essential to having a successful end product .
Unfortunately , said Wimer , that is sometimes a hard sell .
“ On natural grass fields , the first thing that clients tend to cut out is drainage ,” he said . “ Drainage is an insurance policy for the field in wet weather ; it prevents a potentially destructive rain game .”
Said John Schedler of Baraka Sport , “ Shortcuts are the biggest mistake to make in this business ,”
According to builders , a field is only as good as the drainage under it . If one rainstorm renders it unplayable for days at a time , it isn ’ t worth the cost savings . Although drainage isn ’ t the most exciting thing to spend money on , it ’ s one of the most important .
Just as important is the need to approach the job with the right partners — those who are skilled in sports facility design and construction .
“ Hire an expert ,” said Schedler . “ Find someone who knows how to build a sports field .”
Landscape contractors may know the grass , soil , weather conditions and vegetation of an area , but they lack the design and construction knowledge to produce a high-performance sports field tailored to the needs of the specific athletes who will be using it .
“ Too many times , we see fields that are specified the same as lawn areas ,” said Wimer . “ However , the expectations are so much higher for sports fields . The lack of planning and proper construction specifications are major sources of field failure , especially on natural grass fields .”
By choosing a contractor , as well as a design professional , with sportsfacility-specific expertise , owners have a better chance of getting what they want . Getting recommendations from colleagues with facilities similar to the one you are planning is one way to obtain good information . Make sure to
18 SportsField Management | July 2021 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com