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/591732
W e as field managers are on the frontline of the recreation experience of each and every person who steps foot at our complexes. As a manager there are many hats that we wear throughout the day, turf expert, plant pathologist, irrigation spe- cialist, computer wiz, project manager, and electrician and so on and so on. Because of the ever-changing nature of our jobs, there are several steps that you can take to be out in front of potential problems. Preventative maintenance practices will save you time, money and headaches in the future. Maintenance policies and procedures must be geared to pro- vide optimum recreation use; that is, areas and facilities that are functional, safe, and aesthetic. As a result, maintenance directly and continuously affects the parks and recreation experience of visitors to park and recreation areas and facilities. High-quality maintenance saves money for the department in many ways. If areas, facilities, and equipment are kept in operating condition, downtime and corresponding loss of services are minimized. Good maintenance practices permit the department to identify and correct problems when they are still relatively minor, instead of after they become major. Regular preventive inspection programs permit the early detection and correction of potentially hazardous acts and con- ditions. If maintenance functions are not diligently planned, performed, and documented, the departments' liability exposure and attendant costs can be greatly magnified. Proper mainte- nance of recreation areas and facilities is essential to prevent or reduce accidents to users. Maintenance efforts directly reflect upon the public image of you as a manager and the facility you operate whether it is a school, municipality or a private complex. Providing clean, attractive, and stimulating recreation facilities and equipment significantly contributes to a high-quality recreation experience for visitors, participants, and spectators, leaving them satisfied. In recent years, the public has developed a strong environmental ethic. Cities are increasingly expected to exhibit responsible stew- ardship for land and other environmental resources under their jurisdiction. From a maintenance standpoint, this expectation is reflected in the proliferation of public recycling programs, inte- grated pest management policies, land use restrictions, and similar environmental considerations. A good maintenance program can help prevent overuse and preserve the recreation resource, extend- ing the useful life of property, tools, structures, equipment, or materials and ensuring the carrying capacity of all facilities. Practices to help promote a positive image for your site can be broken down into six categories: Assess your site Map your site Train your staff Management responses Cultural and physical options for turfgrass management Record Keeping Evaluate Assess and address site-specific conditions and needs for the intended function of a given turf grass area, e.g., high profile area vs. less visible area vs. practice fields vs. competition fields. The questions should be asked: Are the weed, disease, or insect prob- lems affecting the function of the turf area? If so, why and what can be done to address the cause of the problem rather than treating the symptom? Initial soil samples should be taken for moderate and highest care zones before the growing season begins. Samples should be analyzed and interpreted by a laboratory to provide recommendations for fertilizer and soil amendments. Soil com- paction and site moisture drainage should also be assessed. Grounds for each property should have some form of a map. An initial site inspection should be conducted for each turf grass/ landscape area prior to the growing season. Key turf grass/land- scape species and key locations should be identified on maps. The use of each area and current traffic patterns should also be noted. Key pests should be identified for each area. A book of irrigation maps is also helpful to have on hand for irrigation audits and for repairs when needed. Post these maps so staff members can all be on the same page about each area of you facility. Turf management staffs needs to develop a basic understanding of soil and turfgrass biology, proper cultural practices and signs and symptoms of threats to healthy turf including weeds, disease, and insects. Use local STMA events and chapters, local conferences, monthly training meetings, or ask your commercial vendors to help train staff members. Many of the commercial vendors were at one time managers. They understand the problems we face and they can help with solutions. They also can help put you in contact with other managers in your area that may have a similar complex and has dealt with the same issues you may be facing. Management strategies will be recommended based on moni- toring results and the nature of the problem. Methods include cultural and physical options for turfgrass management. Cultural methods include selections of the proper landscape plants & turf- grass cultivars; over seeding; topdressing; modifying irrigation, mowing, and/or fertilizing practices. Physical and mechanical methods include removal of thatch if necessary; aeration; individ- 38 SportsTurf | November 2015 www.sportsturfonline.com PRACTICES TO PROMOTE A POSITIVE IMAGE S ■ BY BRIAN WINKA, CSFM FIELD SCIENCE FACILITY & OPERATIONS