Photo Credit: Phoenix Reach 11 Sports Complex
Maintaining the largest sports complex in Arizona certainly comes with challenges, yet there are many rewarding aspects I still enjoy. Seeing all 18 soccer fields and four Little League baseball fields provide playability for the athletes and peace of mind for parents makes me feel like I have a meaningful impact on their lives. For all other foremen or sports-turf managers who are using Bermuda grass, here are some ways to create the perfect surface when dealing with the approaching summer heat.
Watching Water
When I’m getting ready to work on a specific field, the first thing I do is check the irrigation system. If it does not adequately water the entire playing field, there will be trouble areas that are difficult to fix while the rest of the field is thriving. I encourage you to walk around the field and check each irrigation head; this will indicate which areas are getting coverage and which are not. Consider replacing certain heads early in the process before it’s too late to make a difference.
Next, be sure to examine issues such as water times and pooling. For instance, watering in the early morning or late evening is best for water retention and to minimize loss due to evaporation. Additionally, do not irrigate during high winds, or the much-needed water will be blown away from a specific field. The complex has nine lighted, international soccer fields (225’ x 360’) of natural Tifway 419 Hybrid Bermuda sports turf, which covers 33 acres. A standard field should be 50 yards away from the next-closest field so blowing water will not be an issue; however, depending on how a complex is set up, water may puddle in valley areas, making it more difficult for fans to navigate.