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/30215
Facility&Operations | David Frey >> THE CLEANING PROCESS has been im- proved due to the better cleaning equipment now available. surfaces regularly. I then talked to some executives at the leading artificial turf supplier in the US about disinfecting and cleaning turf. They seemed to be in de- nial about the subject. I was worried about the liabilities that my company might face from both the players and the surface manufacturers. Years went by, and then my current busi- ness partner, Steve Smetana, reintro- duced it to me. He has experience working and playing on turf in many uses and was looking into the cleaning process. Cleaning and the condition of artificial surfaces I MUST TELL YOU that I have never been a proponent of artificial surfaces even though I know they have their place and certainly have made an impact in the sports world. My background as a head groundskeeper, for both the Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns, gave me a good understanding of sport surfaces. I occasionally dealt with artificial practice fields, but most of my activity was on natu- ral grass. When I started my own field mainte- nance company we competed with artificial field companies and I saw different aspects of these surfaces. I got to see the evolution from the directional Astroturf, improved Astro- turf, poly-grass and infill cushioned turf. Most of them are sold as maintenance-free surfaces. I am not aware of anything that is maintenance free. Owners and managers were totally unaware that cleaning was a nor- mal part of owning these surfaces. The life of these surfaces also was a question. Various materials performed differently and cleanli- ness is a factor. Years ago, the first indication for me that cleaning could be an issue came from Spin Martin, head groundskeeper of the Indi- anapolis Colts. He suggested that I get into the artificial surface cleaning business; he said he was cleaning and spraying the Colts’ No matter which carpet materials are used, cleaning makes it last longer. 16 SportsTurf | May 2011 EQUIPMENT IMPROVEMENTS The cleaning process has been im- proved due to the better cleaning equip- ment now available and more attention paid to player/disease questions. The early blades were difficult to clean due to their rough surface and shape. The newer poly blades are better because they are smooth and slick, but before the newer equipment it was impossible to clean and not remove the rubber infill. But those issues have been solved if you have the right equipment. No matter which carpet materials are used, cleaning makes it last longer. Brushing will not remove dirt nor clean, but in fact drives the dirt down to the backing. Many facilities brush to clean. Brushing will pick up the blades and spread the infill, and the leaves appear cleaner, but in fact it will not remove the dirt. The dirt we are concerned about is mostly hair, bodily fluids and skin, but we find pins, paper, uniform parts and various things that show up from the participants. I was very surprised at the amount of hair and dirt that we collect. Some indoor facilities even have dog shows and other non-sport activities, but do not clean afterwards. You would think that cleaning would be the natural thing to do, as most people consider it as a part www.sportsturfonline.com By