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i~ <br />Mowing blades should be kept clean and sharp to avoid ragged edges and <br />disease, <br />The moisture and compaction of the field should be investigated regularly and <br />addressed if there are any perceived problems. <br />Athletic fields should be topdressed and aerated once or twice a year, depending <br />on budget. Ideal times to topdress and aerate are in May and August, or when <br />there is down time in field use, Air holes can be introduced into the soil with a <br />spiker and sand used to fill in the holes to make the field even and reduce <br />compaction, <br />Also if the maintenance budget allows, overseeding should take place in late <br />September with a perennial rye grass. Poorly established turf areas or areas with <br />bare soil can also be spot seeded in October, <br />The field should be watered every 3 days and at a rate of 1"per week during the <br />summer months and as needed during the rest of the year, <br />Fertilizer and weed control measures can be applied as needed. <br />Summary of the Multi-use design guidelines: <br />Analysis- Important to understand existing site conditions such as soil, <br />topography, vegetation, zoning, land use, site context, and existing infrastructure. <br />Programming- Program the field based on demand, sports seasons, scheduling, <br />Elements to consider: usage fees, lights, irrigation, parking requirements, <br />maintenance facilities and resources: <br />Design to accommodate programming goals and site conditions and <br />conceptually arrange project elements, (parking, landscape materials, bathroom <br />facilities, well, goals, and bleachers,) <br />Field size: 225' x 360' to accommodate lacrosse, soccer, field hockey, <br />ultimate Frisbee and open play, <br />Construction- Provide detailed information for contractor and coordinate clear <br />communication between designer and contractor. Hire a contractor with previous <br />sports field construction experience, <br />Maintenance- Conduct frequent inspection of conditions, Mow Bermuda turf at a <br />1"height to maintain health of turf. Topdress and aerate at least once a year, <br />Water and fertilize as needed. <br />