SAFETY AND SECURITY

By Mary Helen Sprecher

Track and field facilities are three-season facilities . In some areas , they might be busy all year long , which is part of the problem when it comes to maintenance . How do you make time for necessary work without disrupting games and practices ? Sports construction professionals recommend first developing a calendar of how many sports are using the field — and when .

According to Paul Arcella of Heavy & Athletic in Deerfield Beach , Fla ., the scope of use a facility bears can be surprising .

“ The number of competitive sports , the location of the track , and the schedule all need to be taken into consideration . Where we are , in Florida , if you ’ re thinking about what goes on at the high school level , football usually is king . Most schools have varsity and JV teams , and some of the more competitive schools also have freshman teams . The end of football season overlaps soccer . For most schools , there are varsity and JV teams for boys and girls soccer . That season rolls into lacrosse , which also has boys ’ and girls ’ teams at the varsity and JV levels . That season then rolls into track and field , which , again , has boys ’ and girls ’ teams and lasts until late April or early May . That gives way to spring football to close out the year .”

Roll in band practices , summer camps , tournaments that are held in the offseason , as well as normal PE classes that might use the track and field throughout the year , and , according to Arcella , “ the track and field really never get a break .”

It ’ s easy for athletic directors and coaches to lose sight of maintenance . And if a facility is fairly new ,

or in good shape , the inclination might be to ignore it .

“ It ’ s important to develop a maintenance program that fits how they use their field and track ,” added Arcella .

While tracks and fields are , of course , different facilities , thinking of them as two parts of one integrated facility that needs regular maintenance is key to keeping them in top form .

Basic maintenance for both parts of the facility includes a hefty dose of preventive medicine . In both cases , it is essential to keep the surface clean .

For track surfaces , this means addressing any unwanted debris , including sand , dirt , grit , leaves , etc . By using a leaf blower to keep the track free of material like this , you avoid these things being ground into the

Photo courtesy of Sportworks Design , West Chester , Ohio .

track and , over time , damaging the surface . If more intensive cleaning is needed , consult your track builder , who has access to specialized equipment that can deep-clean the surface without damaging it .

Keep an eye on curbs , drains and other areas as well .

“ A sports facility manager should also focus on clearing drain inlets regularly ,” said Todd Wiggin of Sports Turf Company in Whitesburg , Ga . “ Drain inlets should be free of grass clippings , trash or any foreign objects that could obstruct runoff . This helps prevent drainage backups and prevents any water-related damage to both your track and field .”

Test the field irrigation system , and make sure sprinkler heads are distributing water evenly , and on the

34 SportsField Management | June 2021 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com