DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
If the surface is natural grass , will play be rotated among several fields so that this field gets to rest between periods of heavy use ?
Do you expect any non-sports activities to be hosted there , such as fairs , graduations , marching band practices , etc .?
What amenities will be needed for the new field ( i . e ., bleachers , lighting , irrigation , team seating areas / dugouts , parking , etc .)? Will you want the field built and all amenities installed together , or do you expect to build in phases ? Is there an electrical or a water supply at the site already ? Will there be a running track around the field ? What is the overall budget for the project ? How accessible is the site for operators of construction equipment ?
Has a feasibility study been performed by a consultant ? ( Such data can be useful in helping to illuminate user preferences , as well as site capabilities .)
All these answers will help provide some direction for you , and for the professionals with whom you ’ ll be working ( more on that later ).
Next , make a list of the things you already know about your own facility ( this , at least , is easier to answer ): What is your climate like ? What is the soil like ? What type of grass ( or turf , or both ) do you have ? What are your maintenance capabilities ? How involved is the field owner in decision making for the facility ?
Who is your general clientele ? Do you see more travel tournaments , youth sports leagues , high school play , college teams , or something else ?
What is the facility ’ s overall schedule like ? When is it busiest and why ?
The next step is to take into consideration the priorities of the user groups . That might sound almost overwhelming since so many people are eager to weigh in .
John Schedler of Baraka Sport recommends getting groups together for discussion at the outset of the project . This can be accomplished through a virtual meeting and may be more orderly if groups are given a deadline and asked to submit their questions and requests via email .
“ You want to avoid having too many chefs in the kitchen ,” said Schedler . “ Have a single meeting to gather the information and then reduce the input and noise .”
Once the larger group has had a chance to voice its opinion , Schedler advises creating a team of only those who should be giving direct input during the project . That group can study the requests of the larger group and prioritize accordingly .
“ It ’ s easier to make smart decisions based on input from your much smaller group ,” he said . “ Usually , that group is limited to you , a coach or two and one or more experienced professionals in design and construction . There are many owners who have to sportsfieldmanagementonline . com June 2023 | SportsField Management
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