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/162108
any bruised or matted leaf tissue. An application of ammonium sulfate was made and water was turned back on. On Tuesday, the field was deep-tined aerified and cores removed. Then flushing cycles of irrigation water began to help remove contaminants. On Wednesday, weaker areas were overseeded with Riveria bermudagrass seed and the field was topdressed with sand. The week after the concert brought good bermudagrass growing weather with temperatures in the mid-90s to 100, but that was followed by an unusual cold front that lasted 4 days and brought 6" of rain. Temperatures dove back into the mid-70s during this time and really putting a damper on recovery and coordinating with contractors to replace any damaged areas. The fourth week of July we were able to resod areas of heavy traffic on the roadway behind the stage as well as some weaker areas on the field. We contracted with GreenONE Industries, Inc to use the Koro Imants Field Topmaker to take out 1 ½" of sod. We also purchased the replacement thick cut Tifway 419 sod from Tri-TexTurfgrass. In all, much less was replaced than was anticipated before the concert. Much of the rest of the areas under stage and on the field were able to make a full recovery. In this particular situation and devastating event, it's more than just the grass. We do work so hard to get the grass to where we want it to optimally perform. We are passionate about our jobs and doing what is best for our fields. But grass can be replaced. It always helps to keep things in perspective. Be sure that we take time to appreciate the ones we really live for. You can't replace someone that PICTURE OF FIELD one month after concert ready for scrimmage. you lost. We do take ownership in the fields that we manage, but in the words of a good friend of mine…"it's not your field." On this particular night, it was for those that had lost a loved one, a home, a business. This is a healing process that will take much longer… n Jeff Salmond, CSFM, is director of athletic field management at the University of Oklahoma, and a Board member of the Sports Turf Managers Association. STMA in action STMA introduces new Membership Incentives, Referral Rewards STMA IS NOW OFFERING a number of incentives to new members and a referral bonus program, both designed to help the association build on its continued growth. New Member Benefits New members—those individuals who have not been an STMA national member since 2000—are now eligible to receive a free conference registration (valued at $375, to be used within 3 years) when they purchase an STMA membership. This new member offer is valid for the association's sports turf manager and commercial categories, including individuals at the associate level (sports turf manager and commercial associates). Unfortunately, new affiliate and student members are not eligible for the free conference registration benefit. Those members who joined in 2013, especially those individuals who signed up during the association's recent prorated dues www.stma.org promotion, are eligible for the free conference registration promotion if they renew for 2014. To see if you qualify for the free conference promotion, please visit www.STMA .org or call the STMA office at 800. 323.3875. STMA Referral Rewards All STMA members are eligible for the association's new referral rewards program. Any current member who refers a new qualifying individual that signs up for a membership will receive a $100 voucher that can be used on a variety of items, including STMA merchandise, conference registration fees or membership dues. There is no limit to the number of new recruits a member can refer; he/she will receive the $100 voucher incentive for each new person they refer who signs up. Stay tuned for more details at www.STMA.org. n SportsTurf 29