facility &operations
TRANSCRIPT
FACILITY & OPERATIONS
COMPANYHere is a listing of companies known to construct or renovate athletic fields:
ABC Sports TurfHouston, TX281-493-3327www.abcsportsturf.com
L LIZ ASports Turf
Alliza Sports TurfAlvaton, KY270-842-0473www.allizainc.com
Alpine Services, Inc.Premium Athletic Fields ... For AU Sports
Alpine Services, Inc.Gaithersburg, MD800-292-8420www.alpineservices.com
JmericaniIiIonstructorsSport
American CivilConstructors, Inc.Littleton, CO303-795-2582www.acconstructors.com
Architerra, PCCoopersburg, PA610-282-1398
18 December 2006
ATHLETICCONSTRUCTIONINCORPORATED
CertifiedSports Field Manager
Athletic Construction, Inc.Oakwood, [email protected]
Athletic Fields, LLCHumboldt, TN866-287-4763
-Your home field advantage!
Athletic Field Services, Inc.Oregon,OH419-836-5730www.athleticfieldservices.com
Ballard SportsCary, C919-678-8440www.ballardsports.com
~beals allianceBeals AllianceSacramento, CA916-366-8350www.bealsalliance.com
411·,,:• ••Bigfoot Turf Farms
LaSalle, CO800-632-7473www.bigfootturf.com
ROBERT A. BOTHMAN, INC.Quality People.
Quality Projects.'
Robert A. Bothman, Inc.SanJose, CA408-279-2277www.bothman.com
~BRICKMANEnhatW/lt/lIJw A"",r/("", Landscape 8111<'0/9.19
BrickmanGaithersburg, MD301-987-9200www.brickmangroup.com
Burnside ServicesNavasota, TX
936-825-7090www.bumside-services.com
Carolina Green Corp.Indian Trail, NC866-753-1707www.cgcfields.com
Championship TurfSurfacesHarwinton, CT860-485-0219www.turfchamps.com
Charles Williams &AssociatesFayetteville, TN800-544-8873www.cwasodfarm.com
'-- __ ~~ __ COMPANIES
Clark CompaniesDelhi, NY607-746-2727www.clarkcompanies.com
Colony Landscape &Maintenance, Inc.Alviso, CA408-941-1090www.colonylandscape.com
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FACILITY & OPERATIONSCreative Landscape &Irrigation, Inc.Maugansville, MD301-745-5737www.creativelrrtgatlcn.com
DVH Athletic ThrfCherry Hill, NJ800-942-0134wwwrbedvhgroup.com
Geller Sport Inc.Boston, MA61~523-8103 x241www.gellersport.oom
Fisher TracksBoone,IA800-432-3191www.flshertracks.com
••~II'Foothills SportsturfBoiling Springs, [email protected]
Emc.h BrothersWoodville,OH419-8,l9-3175
D.A. Hogan & AssociatesSeattle, WA206-285-0400
Georgia Golf Construction,Inc.Rydal, GA404-216"4445georgiagolfconstruction.com
Field Builders, Inc.CharloUe, NC704-400-6757dcll2003@aoLcom
Davey Sports ThrfKent,OH800-447-1667www.davey.com
S.W.Franks ConstructionCleveland,OH216-241-9900www.swfranks.comFielder"s Choice Inc.
Pearland, TX888-853-4353www.fielderschoiceInc.com
Diamond Athletic Thrf, Inc.Stow, MA978-897-0344
~J!~HN~Glenn Rehbein Co.Blaine, MN763-784-0657www.rehbein.com
GSI Consultants/TurfconSomerset, NJ732-247-8026
DURATURf~FieldTurfMontreal, Quebec(Canada)800-724-2969www.fieldturftarkett.com
Gale Associates Inc.Weymouth, MA781-335-6465Duraturf Service Corp.
Richmond, VA800-358-8283
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www.sportsturimanager. 0rg SportsTurf 19
FACILITY & OPERATIONS
GRANT Hayes Large ArchitectsState College, PA814-949-7167www.hayeslarge.com
SPDRTS FIELDSGrant SporU FieldsColumbus, GA706-596-9236www.grantsportsfields.com
LaserturfAthens, GA706-208-1644
GreenTech, Inc.Roswell, Georgia770-587-2522www.greentechibn.comGreenway ServicesHorsham, PA215-343-0110
Landscapes UnlimitedLincoln, NE402-423-6653www.landscapesunlimited.eom
'The LandTek Group, Inc.Amityville, NY631-691-2381www.landtekgroup.comGregori International
Miami, FL305-663-7393www.gregnn.com
Laserturf LevelingSt. Charles, MO
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20 December 2006
636-947-1065www.schaefenneyer.com
LeRoy Sports FieldsLeavenworth, KS913-682-6706
Mercer Group, Inc.Troy,OH937-335-7100www.mercer-group.com
Mid-Atlantic 'fur£, Inc.Gaithersburg, MD301-990-0315www.mid-atlanticturf.com
The Motz Group·ITllllMllon In High Ptrlmnaoce Thrf
The Motz Group, Inc.Cincinnati,OH513-533-6452www.themotzgroup.com
Monie Outdoor ServicesCaseyville, IL61IH:i32-529b
Nolan Thomas & Co.Stovall, NC888-457-7678www.sportsturfcontractors.com
Precision Sports Fields, Inc.Nashvtlle, [email protected]
PREC'!i'ONmufX1 if u.c
Precision 'ThrfBuford, [email protected]
Premier Sports Fields, LLCRemington, VA800-241-3302
RTM Sport, Inc.Burtonsville, MD
301-421-0070www.rtm.sport.com
Realty LandscapingCorporationNewtown, PA215-598-7334www.realtylandscaping.com
REIL Construction, Inc.Union, TL815-923-4321
Rettler Corp.Stevens Poinl, WI715-341-2633
Shearon SportsPlymouth Meeting, PA(610) 828-5488www.shearnnsports.eum
Southeastern. FieldConstructionMetter, [email protected]
SPORTEXE ConstructionServicesRound Rock, 'IX512-246-7100www.sportexe.com
§(G"Sports(onstructionG roup
SPOkTS FIELD SPECI~lIn
Sports Construction GroupCleveland, OR216-241-9900www.sportscongroup.com
Sports Field ConsultantsDuncanville, TX8n-298-0220
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FACILITY & OPERATIONS
Sports Field Specialists Sports Turf Management, 513-241-6210 U.S. Athletic FieldsCoeymans Hollow, NY LLC [email protected] Skillman, NJ518-756-3049 Atlanta, CA & Boca Raton, FL [email protected] 888-486-4786 Tifton Turf Farms
skip@sportsturf Tifton, GA ValleyCrestSportscape International management.com 229-386-8061 Kansas City, MoYoungstown,OH 816-361-0489330-726-9452 Sporn Thrf One Turbo link International www.valleycrest.comwww.sportscape Boynton Beach, FL Clearwater, FLonline.com 561-369-7994 727-442-2570 Van's Enterprises
www.tltsports.eom Mundelein,ILSports Fields Solutions Sweetwater Construction 847-367-7828Group Alexander City, AL Turf ServicesRockmart, GA 205-822-7353 Spring Lake, MJ Wtlson & Associates770-684-6583 [email protected] 616-842-4975 Lexington, SCwww.sfsgroup.org 803-957-3115 •
Thrfgrass TechnologiesSports Turf Company, Inc. Davenport, NYWhitesburg, GA 607-278-5729866-34-6-8691 'learn All Sports www.turfgrasswww.sportsturf.net Cincinnati, OH technologtes.com
DIAMOND PRO'PROFESSIONAl GROUNDSKEEPING PRODUCTS
BOO.2~2B.29BI
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FACILITY & OPERATIONS
lorna visit highlights.renovation
22 December 2006
project
The "Marquis de Sod" shared his knowledge and experience withthe maintenance stall' at Ralston Valley High School in Denverduring a renovation project at the football field. George Toma,Sports 'Iurf Managers Association founder and father to many
Super Bowl fields, was visiting the Jefferson County public school sys-tern to dispense his wisdom, Lots of winterkill, followed by an earlysummer with consistent 90 dCgTC:C temperatures, had damaged the field.
TOlna was working with Hall-Irwin, the construction and develop-ment company, on the field's renovation, Toma was there on behalf ofwestern Pozzolan, the soil amendment company that Hall-Irwin puttogether, with other vendors, to provide the expertise and products forthe renovation as part of its ~STACK" progt·am. Toma helped decidewhat the soil profile's issues were and then assisted with finding the rightprescription. Other companies donating time and materials includedGreenOne Industries, A-l Organic, Extreme Weed Control, and EstesChemical. Hail-Irwin did contract with the district for some services.
Eric Pollock, Hall-Irwin's athletic field specialist, developed theSTACK program that, after soil analysis and lab reports are complete,results in a custom-blended product that can successfully alleviate spe-cific conditions found in the soil of any field. "We take different turf sci-ence product, and put them together so thai in one application we canbegin to heul athletic fields," Pollock said.
"For example if a Kentucky bluegrass field has a high sodium level,we might blend gypsum with some organic products to developing aleaching factor," Pollock said.
Steve Beck, president of Western Pozzolan, said Hall-Irwin assists in"missionary work" when it approaches schools with serious field issuesand shows them how they can go down a path of proper cultural prac-tices versus building a costly new field. "So many schools spend alot ofmoney initially on their new fields but don't provide enough, or any,maintenance budget," Beck said. "With more athletes than ever, thewear and tear on these school fields is astronomical. By season's end,some are hardly playable.
"It was impressive seeing George 'Ioma calking with the turf manag-er at Ralston Valley about nil/ural practices that will provide a safe andlung-lasting turf;" Beck said.
Hall-Irwin provides one-stop shopping with its STACK program,Beck said, so that turf managers don't have to make a lot of calls tryingto get vendors together. The STACK prq,'Tam brings in the company'svendors for soil amendments, cornpnst/peat, sand, etc., to improve afield's soil profile.
Top photo: George Toma added his expertise to the renovation, cour-tesy of Western Pozwlan. Far left: Rootzone before "STACK" treatment.Near left: Rooizone a.J:1Rrrenovation .•
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FACILITY & OPERATIONS
TECHNOLOGY
I power bl~~~.~UPDATE:
•
he power blower (or leaf blower
Ias it is commonly called today)was initially introduced as amodified dusting and mistingmechanism in the mid-1970s. It
wasn't!ong after that the use was enhanced tousc a zephyr of air as an ingenious new main-tenance tool that could be used to dean in avariety of applications.
Commercial landscapers and municipali-ties have evolved into universally usingpower blowers/leaf blowers for dean-upactivities. The general adaptation and themultiplicity of applications took off in themid-1980s; this included cleaning tenniscourts, gutters and roofs to larger applicationslike cleaning athletic facilities.
The technology of dedicated power blow-ers took place in a time when both backpackand hand-held configurations seemed to be amuch more economical and ergonomicallypractical way to get jobs in the field finishedquicker and easier. Along the way, while ath-letic facilities throughout the world havecapitalized on this air-moving technology,there have been challenges based on the oftentimes erroneous infor-mation that was provided relative to the process of moving debriswith a power blower and periodic noise implications.
But in most cases, the true problems that were initially associatedwith leaf blowers were primarily tile result of inappropriate use, self-ishness, and the lack of general common sense of their applications hyusers.
For example, in the early 1990s there was a challenge to the contin-ued use of leaf blowers in the Rose Bowl by the local municipality(Pasadena, CAl. Fortunately after a presentation of the dramatic costsavings that resulted from the use of leaf blowers to clean out this92,500-seat arena, the arrival of new technology and some commonsense prevailed.
Similar challenging situations have been repeated again and againin cities throughout the country and in. parts of the world. Fortunately
the evolution of new technology for dramatically quieter leaf blowersprovides substantially cleaner engine emissions. This has paved theway for a few manufacturers to create an active benchmark of opti-mum performance. The industry added ncw technology that caters to
and supports sports and athletic arena applications.Today, almost 20 years later, the power blower has found a practi-
cal and active home particularly in larger sports complexes and ath-letic arenas. The productivity associated wirh the product, as opposedto attempting to use rakes and brooms, in athletic arenas just doesn'tmeet high standards anymorc. When there are four or five people thatcan accomplish the same task of 50-60 people there is no reasonableexplanation as to why the product shouldn't be used.
The new engine technology that has been introduced in recentyears provides a substantially quieter power blower/leaf blower over-all and a two-cycle engine specifically that supports a clean-emissions
24 December 2006 www.greenmediaonline.com
FACILITY & OPERATIONS
environment The result has been an even stronger acceptance acrossthe board of the product in football and soccer stadiums and anyplacewhere debris, leaves or mounds of paper need to be moved quickly,efficiently and safely.
The new, clean and quieter technology cannot stand alone; safetyshould be emphasized as well. Ear protection, eye protection and safe-ty apparel are essential when individuals use leaf blowers, whether it isfor short or long duration. Common sense should be applied andbecome a benchmark for all facility managers and users.
It is just too practical and loa simple not to use the leaf blower giventhe multiplicity of clean-up activities there are in the athletic arenaenvironment.
Robin Pendergra.st is a writer, photographer and video producer. Seehttp://www.rfpplwto.com .•
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FACILITY & OPERATIONS
he National Bicycle League (NBL) approached the
IWaukegan {ILl Park District (WPDj in the fall of 2002looking for a home for a group of local BMXers whowere tired of trekking across the border to Wisconsinto find a suitable track. NBL has been dedicated to
providing exciting recreational opportunity for nearly 30 years.The WPD felt that a BMX track would fit in perfectly with its"benefits-based" philosophy. Today, the track sits on the site of aformer municipal landfill. Individuals and organizations cametogether to use the brownfield and create a premiere BMX facil-ity for the community at Henry PIau Callahan Park.
For the uninitiated, BMX is the short form of "bicycle moto-cross," a sport that involves the whole family, teaches and fos-ters individual responsibility, respect for others and property,good sportsmanship and courag'e. Riders perform on terrainthat features a multitude of hills and/or obstacles, But don'tconfuse BMX with motocross because the sole power sourceis the rider. Races last under a minute, with bike speedssometimes reaching 15-35 miles per hour.
The track was designed by Mark Hildebrand, a nation-ally known builder of BMX tracks who has created tracksfor the X-Oames and Gravity Games, and is buildingtracks for the 2008 Olympic Games. The budget was setat $99,000, which would include construction of an SO-spacegravel parking lot, installation of 1,100 feet of track fencing, equipmentrental for track construction, and water and electric utility installation.
Hildebrand's design services were provided free-of-charge by NBL,and he also got his hands dirty by completing the majority of the earthmoving on the 1,200 feet-long course as well as field testing each indi-vidual track obstacle as they were being constructed.
Construction of the three major, lBO-degree banked turns (knownas "berms") started in early fall of 2004. Local contractors looking todispose of spoils provided clean till material. A local excavator wasoccasionally contracted to assist designer Hildebrand with track obsta-cles, sidelines, and site restoration.
The track was positioned on the site with ample surrounding greenspace in order to incorporate larger events, vendors, tents and addi-tional spectators. TIle positioning also created a buffer zone for the sur-rounding neighborhood.
BMXtrackbuilt on former landfill
By Mike Trigg, CSFM, and Mike Pavelich
In the end, a total of6,000 cubic yards of fill were broughtin. At times the material needed to be stockpiled to coin-cide with Hildebrand's availability. Obstacles encountered includedpockets of concrete debris in the landfill, lack of fill materials, andmaterial that was substandard and unsuitable for track construction.
Construction of the track was overseen by the \VPD's landscapearchitect, Steve Wikner, and complies with NBL track standards.Rough grading was finally completed in November 2004, with thetrack fencing added the following month, The fencing is a necessaryelement as it allows spectators to view the event at a safe distance. Tnthe spring of 2005, park staff also completed site restoration and dor-mant turf seeding, An electronic starting gate was installed, 3.'; well asa scorekeeper/announcer's booth.
26 December 2006 www.greenmediaonline.com
With great anticipation the track was open to the public on june 12,2005 with a grand opening celebration. This festive event includedmore than 100 racers, free 6<:iveaways, dernonsrrations, food vendors,and refreshments.
"I think it's important for the staff that maintains the facility to beinvolved in the planning stages," says Scott MacLean, manager of parkmaintenance who oversees the weekly upkeep of the park. Great careand thought was put into ease-of-maintenance or the track, includingwater access at both ends of the facility, and accessibility of mowersand trucks to service the track.
The Park District provides all rurf maintenance and trimming for thetrack while the waukegan RMX Club members provide supervised pro-grams including gate practices, leagues, and B1fX racing clinics. An NBL-sanctioned track offers a comprehensive program that recognizes the impor-lance of neighborhood racing as well as slate and national competition.
Weather permitting, the track is open to the public every day. Rulessigns are posted with track hours, safety requirements, and a code ofconduct. \,VMBX Club offers gate practices on Thursday nights withorganized races on Sundays.
Mike Trigg, GSFM, superintendent of parks for the Waukegan ParkDistria, is President of the Sports 'Iur]Managers Association. Mike Paoeudi if
a member of Trigg's stafl_
> Notched (6"x 6"- 8') synthetic Turf Edging> limited lifetime warrranty> Cost effective alternative to concrete curbing
For more information contact Chris Cote: (800) 289-2448
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FACILITY & OPERATIONS
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SportsTurf 27
FACILITY & OPERATIONS
•
Endicott College blasts newfield
out of granite ledgeBy John Dailey
=ndicott College, a small liberal arts school all the beau-tiful North Shore 20 miles above Boston, recently COIll-
pleted work on its new softball facility, which is next tothe multi-purpose stadium that was built for football,lacrosse, and soccer, along with intramural and club
activities. More than 40 square feet of granite was blasted away to
make room for the field, in tum creating one of the most dramatic sta-dium backdrops in all of New England.
The new softball stadium is a tribute to a team that has made itselfa strong regional and national contender over the past 12 years. CoachMark Veilleux lead, a softball team that has won three consecutiveCommonwealth Coast Titles. Tn 2005, the learn earned their first
28 December 2006 www.greenmediaonline.com
national ranking, finishing the season at 4!-23in Division HI and 4!-I in New England.
Director of Athlelic Facilities Brian Wylieand Dennis Monaco spearheaded the stadi-um and field construction.
Wylie says of the 40-foot area of graniterock, "This type of ledge is very common inthe area, and is now something the facilitycan hang its hat on. 'With the nature of theNew England area, especially the NorthShore with granite ledge being such a promi-nent part of the landscape, we had to cut andfill. This left us with a 40-foot backdrop ofledge surrounding left field."
Wylie says the college exported the gran-ite off campus via truck and was paid for it."We have to blast some of the granite ledgefor every construction project we do," sayswylte, who oversees all such projects.
"After this blast, we compacted the area asmuch as we could so it wouldn't move," hesays. "Then we put 6 to 8 feet of stone, fol-lowed by 12 inches of sand and soil and putthe irrigation system in that."
The field was originally laid withKentucky bluegrass sod in the outfield, and iscomplete with a 2-lOne irrigation system andnew drainage system for both the infield andoutfield. CDmplementing the outfield sod,Wylie chose the Fenway mix for the infieldskin layer, which "allowed for the look wereally wanted," he says_The stadium also fea-tures a Daktrontcs scoreboard, two bull pens,two custom-made dugouts, and a press boxcomplete with Internet access and a fullsound system.
Endicott College was founded in 1939 andbegan as an all women's, 2-year junior col-lege. It has evolved into one of the finest co-ed Division 111 institutions in the NewEngland area with 1,700 students, and itscampus features 201 acres of land, includingprivate beaches owned by the school.
Recently the Gulls celebrated their 13thanniversary as an NCAA Division III mem-ber. In that time, they have captured 26league or tournament titles and have made34 post-season appearances.
John Dailey is a Graduate ASSIstant in thePost Sportl Science and Fitness Center at EndicottCollege.•
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TIFS TCERllFIED BERMUDAGRASS
For Detailed Information and a list of licensed Grawers VlSiI,WWW.1ifsport.com
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(AerWar)AerWay'" ventingtines can be used allseason to keep thesoil surface open.Water and nutrientapplications aremore efficientbecause they areabsorbed immediate-ly into the soilprofile.
for moreinformation call 1-800-457-8310
Advanced Aeration Systemswww-ac rway.cnm email: ac rwa yte.ae rwa y.cum
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SportsTurt 29