Field Turf Maintenance

Greg Weisbrich from Field Turf sets up the groomer.

Photo: Mike Racine

Cary Kassian from King County Parks sweetening up the playing surface.

Photo: Mike Racine

The King County Field Maintenance team.  From left:
Alan Sinsel, Terrie Foote, Greg Weisbrich (Field Turf), Josh Torgerson, Cary Kassian, Jackie Mullen
not pictured:  Rama Tall

Photo: Mike Racine

We spent a little quality time with the good folks from Field Turf, Inc. and King County Parks this week.  There were several tears and worn spots in the turf that were repaired.   We learned the system components and how they fit together to create a playing surface.  We also learned how to groom the surface using the Field Turf grooming machine, (handled by King County) and routine hand maintenance of high traffic spots like the corners and penalty marks (handled by Eastside FC).

Cary Kassian and Rama Tall are assigned to maintenance duties at Preston Park under the supervision of Alan Sinsel.  If you see them, say hello.

Here's what was done:

• Repaired the white line that was coming up on the goalie box on the south end of Field 1.
• Removed and patched the bald spot on the penalty mark on the south end of Field 1.
• Removed and patched the bald spot on the penalty mark on the south end of Field 2.
• Removed and patched the torn spot on the penalty arc on the south end of Field 2

The turf system is a series of layers as follows:

• A base of crushed rock, compacted and leveled.
• A carpet of green fibers, 2" long.
• A thin layer of sand.
• A layer of rubber in-fill 1 1/4" deep such that 3/4" of grass protrudes from the surface of the in-fill.

We've now got a garbage can full of spare in-fill material so we can maintain the appropriate depth.  This is critical to maintaining a good playing surface and maximizing the life of the installation.

Keeping trash, especially sports drinks, gum, and sunflower seeds is very important to the maintenance life of the system.  Please help us extend the life of the turf by refraining from bringing these items onto the field.

We should get a minimum of 8 years on the turf.  Hopefully, with vigilant maintenance, we can extend the life of the system well beyond that.