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/96775
Facility&Operations and taking a much larger role," he notes. "In some cases, they're completely financing projects. Also, there has been a shift to sponsorships from local business and hospitals that are adding funds in exchange logos on the fields, naming rights etc. Schools are trying to leverage donated 'in-kind' work from local contractors and alums for certain parts of the project that do not interfere with manufacturers' warranty such as drainage pipe and stone, excavation and concrete work." All the pros note that cutting corners should never be done at the expense of the finished product. In working to bring down costs, it is essential for consumers to remember that sports facilities are specifically tailored to athletic use. They are not simply green spaces, grassy areas or anything else. (And when working with a turf surface, this goes without saying). Seek out contractors, as well as designers and suppliers, who specialize in sports facilities, and ascertain that they understand all issues the project will be facing, including time constraints, budget requests and more. Ask where community involvement would be appreciated, and where it would be appropriate. The investment in knowledgeable partners will pay off throughout the course of the project, and in years to come. If you're not sure about how to find a sports-specific contractor, ask for recommendations from colleagues who have put in or rehabbed sports fields. Find out who they've worked with, and whether they were happy with that person. In addition, find out whether the project proceeded on time and on budget—or whether there were surprises, good or bad. You can also go to the website of the American Sports Builders Association, www.sports builders.org, and use the search feature to locate companies in the area. Once you have the right partners, it's time to make sure your organization works well with them. The old adage, "too many cooks spoil the sauce," is still valid. For a project to be successful, there must be one person (and only one) who is authorized to work with designers, contractors and more, in order to discuss the ongoing status of the project. Examples of this person might be a school principal, field manager, athletic director or other. That person, in turn, should establish a flow of communication with those working on the project, as well as with the end user. Regular meetings should be held to discuss the progress of the project, as well as any questions or concerns. That point person, then, can relay this information back to the design/build team. Expertise and information are the most important commodities that should be working together to make your project succeed, both from a financial perspective and from a performance standpoint. Singly, expertise and information are valuable, but together, they're invaluable, and will give you the long-term satisfaction everyone wants. ■ Mary Helen Sprecher wrote this article on behalf of the American Sports Builders Association. Available at no charge is a listing of all publications offered by the ASBA, as well as their Membership Directory. For info, 866501-2722 or www.sportsbuilders.org. has gone mobile! Now you can access all the latest news and events anywhere, anytime. Simply visit www.sportsturfonline.com/mobile4 to stay connected. 16 SportsTurf | December 2012 www.sportsturfonline.com