SportsTurf provides current, practical and technical content on issues relevant to sports turf managers, including facilities managers. Most readers are athletic field managers from the professional level through parks and recreation, universities.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/605094
www.stma.org December 2015 | SportsTurf 33 They are loose-laid so construction joints are easily tended to. Because the finished weight is between three and five pounds, there is sufficient ballast so the courts do not lift. Also in situations where there is moisture, the courts are not affected by hydrostatic pres- sure or damage from moisture release from the pavement." One of the charms of infilled turf systems for tennis courts is that they can be laid over existing asphalt or concrete pavements, allowing for reconstruction of badly weathered or cracked courts. It is essential to note, however, that a turf court is only as good as the pavement it is laid on; therefore, a cracked pavement must be leveled to insure planarity. If it is not, the turf will wear unevenly and the cracking will be visible as uneven areas in the playing sur- face. Once that type of wear becomes apparent, the surface must be completely replaced; resurfacing is not a possibility. "The newer arena we now consider in the national turf mar- ketplace is the municipal, cracked hard court market. Some of these entities, like boroughs, swim clubs and townships may not have the funding to repair hard courts. They now do consider synthetic turf for these areas for tennis and soccer surfaces for youth," adds Rob Werner. "Also, with the USTA 30- and 60-foot format, synthetic turf will be a great market to retrofit smaller kids' areas, and to provide portable, rollout turfs as a solution for parking lot areas. It's easy to install and to use for other sports, including golf." FINE-TUNING FOR PLAY According to Burke, a synthetic turf tennis court surface pro- vides an enjoyable experience, and can be adjusted to provide the type of play the owner wants it to have. "Generally, most players enjoy the comfort of play," he states. "The surface provides great shock attenuation. Most of the shock from impact is not returned to the body. Because the surface is loose granules, there is great foot release without foot- lock. There are three basic options for playability: First, a tight nap, short pile with the infill below the tip of the fiber for a quick grass court type play. Second, a more open pile with sand just below the tip of the fiber for a medium-paced play. Third, a shorter pile with a colored infill over the top of the fibers for a clay court slide and slow play." But according to the book, Tennis Courts: A Construction and Maintenance Manual, adjustments have to take place on the part of the athlete as well: Players sometimes complain that the infilled turf surface is so unique that it requires a considerable adjustment to their game. Also, unless the surface is well-groomed, any imbalance of fill will result in irregular ball bounce and non-uniform trac- tion. As with turf facilities used for other sports, there are mul- tiple advantages, including the ability to permanently line the