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/433388
the grounds at Miller Park and Milwaukee County Stadium before that for more than 20 years. Last year was only the second time that the field has been com- pletely resurfaced after Miller Park opened in 2001. "Each time, we have improved the grass surface. We pay attention to research and take advantage of new opportunities," Boettcher says. Roof pRos & cons Because Miller Park's right field is generally shaded by the ballpark's massive roof, the grounds crew uses high pressure sodium grow lights. The lights' wavelengths are appropriate and beneficial for growing grass when the Brewers play out of town. When the roof must be closed during rainstorms, high tempera- tures and high humidity can create just the right conditions for fungal growth so Boettcher has developed a preventative fungicide application program. "We must prepare and protect the field from disease," he says. Boettcher and Warczak also develop fertilizer and herbicide programs at the beginning of each season, but closely monitor weather patterns and adjust applications with the conditions. "We get lake effect snow and rain. But sometimes, we're also lucky in that storm systems coming from the west are knocked out by cool breezes coming off the lake," Warczak says. Wisconsin winters can be the stuff of legends. The winter of 2013-2014 was particularly harsh, the coldest winter Milwaukee had experienced in 35 years. The National Weather Service reported that Milwaukee had 27 days at or below 0° F. To protect the field from the elements as well as preserve moisture, a breathable woven plastic cover is used from the end of November through the end of February each year. In addition, all of the field's clay surfaces are covered with 2-inch thick insulated boards to prevent frost damage. The roof and Milwaukee's climate definitely present chal- lenges. "But every park has challenges and the roof here serves its purpose," Boettcher says. Because of the roof, Brewers fans, some who drive several hours to get to Miller Park, know that they will get to see a game even on a cold or rainy day, he explains. "Regardless of the challenges, the roof is important for our organization and baseball in Wisconsin." Another benefit of having the roof is that it allows the grounds crew to get work done in inclement weather, says Warczak. Rain or shine, Boettcher and Warczak understand that they are responsible for managing a high quality field for players and fans alike. In addition to managing the MLB field, the groundskeepers are responsible for managing Helfaer Field, which hosts as many as five Little League games a day during the baseball season. Steve Ems is the grounds supervisor at Miller Park; and Joe Ranthum, landscape manager, is responsible for the venue's 60 acres of landscaping as well as assisting with field activi- ties. During the peak season, the grounds crew is made up of approximately 40 part-time employees. "We hire interns and part-time staff as a team. We look for good attitudes and the ability to work hard," Boettcher says. Interns are generally students who are working on a 2- or 4-year degree in Turfgrass and/or Landscape Management, or individuals who have recently graduated from such a program. Warczak sheds light on what the crew does on a typical game day. Beginning at 7:00 am, they check the condition of the field covering to make sure it is still providing the appropriate level of moisture; walk the field to repair divots; and patch the pitcher's mound, home plate, bullpens and other areas. During the game, the field is dragged three times. The crew also does a variety of "housekeeping" types of jobs in the grounds maintenance shop. Tools: fRom equipmenT To educaTion To keep Miller Park, Helfaer Field and the landscaping in top con- dition, the groundskeepers have a number of tools available to them. This includes four greens mowers, three riding mowers and several www.stma.org December 2014 | SportsTurf 27 Wisconsin winters can be the stuff of legends. The winter of 2013-2014 was partic- ularly harsh, the coldest winter Milwaukee had experienced in 35 years. The National Weather Service reported that Milwaukee had 27 days at or below 0° F.