FIELD OF THE YEAR SCHOOLS AND PARKS SPORTING GROUNDS
AS THE TECHNOLOGY BEHIND modern field builds is constantly evolving, we are still working with a playing surface foundation that is 60 years old. As innovations in smart control irrigation and Cambridge drainage evolve, we have an outdated hydraulic irrigation system with crown and slope surface drainage into direct inlet basin drains. We manage predominantly a common bermuda base with a few new cultivars mixed in. With all of this said, we have learned to take what we have and make the absolute best playing surface for our student athletes. The largest obstacle to overcome with our field is the sheer hours of use our field endures without any breaks, as we are managing a very old field and playing surface. Spring sports begin the first of March with boys and girls soccer and lacrosse. Fall sports like football and field hockey start in mid-August, as well as PE classes, unified bocce, and we also hosted a countywide marching band exhibition. It is not out of the ordinary for PE students to be on the field for four hours during school, then games played on the field that evening. After daylight saving ends, our football team will move daily practices on the field due to not having lights on their practice field. The amount of work our students put into this field is second to none. They are learning new approaches to field management; and how to adapt and improvise with heavy field usage, minimum budget, and very little industry-standard equipment. We take every approach to create a safe playing surface that can rival a higher-level field with a larger budget and better equipment. We are excited to share how hard work and determination can pay off to provide our student athletes with the best possible playing surface. Our class mantra is“ Today someone will see your work for the first time.” Work in turf management creates a safe playing environment for athletes, and something pleasing for spectators to observe. Grass is never just grass— it serves a larger purpose. It is exciting to see students progress from a point where they might not have seen this as a career opportunity, to committing to what we do, and finally developing a passion for this field and becoming a lifelong learner.
– Bryan Sheetz, landscaping / turf management teacher sportsfieldmanagementonline. com May 2026 | SportsField Management
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