Design Considerations for Artificial Turf Football Fields
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Performing a thorough field evaluation at the end of the season can benefit your budget, reduce future surface issues, and help you plan ahead for any necessary upgrades. When issues like surface damage, facility security, or player safety features are neglected, these common concerns can transform into expensive, unsightly, and even dangerous athletic conditions.
Whether you’re closing your facility for weeks or months, these cost-saving and headache-preventing steps are easy to implement every time you plan on closing your field. Here are three of the top field-closing recommendations from our professional artificial turf maintenance team.
Perform a Comprehensive Artificial Turf Evaluation
From drainage issues to sectional surface damage, an in-depth surface appraisal is the most affordable and straightforward way to detect and solve field problems in advance. Fortunately, the tell-tale signs of artificial turf damage are relatively easy to spot. While investigating the integrity of your field yard-by-yard, be on the lookout for:
- Excessive wear patterns: Search for flattened, discolored, and worn sections of turf that have reduced traction or shock performance. Excessive wear and compaction can affect the grip performance of the grass fibers and the joint-safe properties, so be sure to compare both traction and the rebounding characteristics with undamaged sections to determine the extent of wear. If the area is slick or rigid, a sectional replacement may be required.
- Seam separation, lifting, and growth along the perimeter: The edges of artificial turf are the most vulnerable areas of the field. While investigating your field, look for any abnormalities like weeds, pest disturbances, and athletic impacts that may have caused seam separation.
- Uneven and underfilled turf: While walking the field, be aware of any surface consistency problems. While surface instability caused by foundation issues is rare if you partner with a skilled field turf installation company, it is possible for erosion, drainage issues, or pests to form inconsistencies in the foundation. Also monitor for any areas of inadequate or excessive infill distribution; remedy this by brushing/raking the granules back into place, or contact us at Keystone Sports Construction for an infill refill before closing your field. Maintaining balanced infill distribution is essential for player safety and preventing damage to the underlying turf materials.
After identifying any issues, you can confidently invest in necessary maintenance and replacement needs in advance. Unsure if your field concerns require immediate attention, or can you wait until the start of next season to make necessary improvements? Our field turf installation companies are your go-to resource for professional field diagnostics and cost-saving problem prevention so you can open with confidence next season.
Improve Facility Amenities for Player Safety & Attendee Appreciation
After finalizing any necessary playing surface maintenance or repair needs, an equally comprehensive evaluation of facility amenities should be performed. If your baseball diamond, soccer field, or football field has safety netting or fencing installed, evaluate and repair any materials that are showing signs of damage or corrosion so the issues don’t progress. For other amenities, such as concession areas, seating, and on-site restrooms, be sure to properly secure/cover these important amenities to prevent weather damage, vandalism, and pest concerns.
Optimize Your Facility’s Security Protocols
Whether you manage a public or private field, protecting your valuable athletic space is a top consideration before closing the field. Be sure to invest in the appropriate protective measures such as durable padlocks, security lighting, and even camera systems if your facility will be unattended for a prolonged period of time or it’s located in a high-crime area.
Need assistance with any of these proactive closing steps? Our sports field specialists at Keystone Sports Construction are your cost-saving allies for all-things facility improvement. To learn more about our detailed inspections, preventative maintenance, and professional-grade turf improvement options, get in touch for expert field insights today.
