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: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/147380
F.O.Y. | Waukegan (IL) SportsPark Field #2 requirements; and 2, less than desirable native topsoil was used. Soil testing has shown our soil structure is low in organic matter and high in clay content. The bottom line is ongoing compaction issues have made it extremely difficult to grow grass. Field #2 was one of the last of the 17 SportsPark athletic fields to be grown in, yet it was expected to perform at the same level as all the other fields. Through field rotation and aggressive cultural practices, the turf conditions have been drastically improved and Field #2 is comparable to the other fields at the site. In 2012, the district hosted three National Soccer Tournaments in addition to a variety of regional tournaments and normal league play. Some of the best amateur soccer players in the nation played on our fields. One tournament hosted 275 teams, playing from 8am-8pm daily for 7 days. To meet this rigorous tournament schedule, we had to adjust our daily maintenance to complete routine tasks. The high usage along with extreme weather conditions definitely took its toll on the turf. This summer was the warmest and third driest summer on record in Illinois. To make matters worse, not only was Field #2 challenged by the extreme drought and heat; the irrigation system was underperforming. The irrigation system manufacturer's representative was brought on site to address the problems. Like most agencies, we face over-use and budget constraints. Our strategy is to actively and aggressively address each mainte34 SportsTurf | August 2013 nance issue as it arises. Through networking with STMA members, both local and national, we found an abundance of resources made available to us. We turned to other members who have had previous similar experiences to help us with our problematic situations. To address our soil structure issues we have consulted with some of the industry's elite and are now planning a compost topdressing program, and have been very aggressive in our cultivation practices. The use and budget issues will always be there, but through weekly meetings with our recreation department, we work together to help balance everyone's (including the field's) needs. This team approach sets us apart from the rest. SportsTurf: What channels of communication do you use to reach coaches, administrators and users of your facility? Any tips on communicating well? Brusius: Generally my communication to users goes through our Recreation Department (responsible for field scheduling and user groups). However this can be tricky at times because I am the only person on site for all inquiries. We schedule weekly meetings with Recreation Dept. staff, but with everyone so busy these are often cancelled or postponed. Phone calls, text messages, and emails have become our main source of communication. When we know we will be hosting tournaments or other major events, we set up conference calls with the individual user groups so we can work together to balance everyone's (including the fields') needs. www.sportsturfonline.com