The purpose of this manual is to explain in detail all the necessary functions and tasks involved in City of Irvine athletic fields maintenance practices.
The purpose of this manual is to explain in detail all the necessary functions and tasks involved in City of Irvine athletic fields maintenance practices.
AERATION
DRILL & FILL
FERTILIZATION
IRRIGATION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
SOD PATCHING GOAL AREA - THICK CUT SOD
ORGANICS
VERTICUTTING
OVERSEEDING BERMUDA GRASS
SAND BANDING
SOIL ANALYSIS
RENOVATION SCHEDULED FIELD CLOSURES
FIELD SODDING SPORTS TURF RENOVATION
TOP DRESS 80/20
OVERSEEDING RYE GRASS
WINTER CLOSURES ALL LIGHTED FIELDS CLOSED
City of Irvine
Accommodates drop - in play along with scheduled use for leagues and tournaments servicing all ages. The City of Irvine (City) is proud to host very successful adult sports leagues for softball and soccer. City elementary, middle and high schools as well clubs utilize our facilities year round. Sports turf play includes soccer, softball, baseball, football, kickball, lacrosse, rugby, cross country and cricket users. Hosting several practices, games, tournaments and special events that utilize our turf greatly impacts our management practices. The City currently manages 44 soccer fields and 46 ball fields at 28 parks, utilized by more than 25 Irvine - based non - profit youth sports organizations. Several televised state, national and international level events are held at City of Irvine fields annually.
AERATION Shallow Hollow / Solid Tine
VERTI - DRAIN Deep Tine
SLICING Spiking Aerator
VERTI - CUTTING Dethatching
SAND BANDING
DRILL & FILL
TOP DRESSING
OVERSEEDING
COMPOST
ORGANICS
MOWING
SOD REPLACEMENT
Aeration (Also known as aerification) is the process of perforating turf
to alleviate soil compaction, prevent excessive thatch buildup, and increase
the flow of oxygen, water, and nutrients to the root zone. Regular play from
children and sports teams, construction projects, and severe weather can
compact soil, leaving roots without a place to grow. Aerification is a natural
and cost - effective way to solve soil compaction problems and get turf thick
and healthy for peak growing. Core & Spike Aeration are the two major
methods used by both homeowners and turf care professionals alike. In the
City of Irvine, aerification plays one of the most important roles in managing
our turf areas.
Core Aeration is done by poking hollow tines into the ground and
extracting small plugs of soil. This method is often the choice of turf care
professionals because it effectively loosens soil, giving root systems access to
nutrients and keeping soil more nutrient - rich in the long term. City sports turf is aerated by removing 1 / 2 to 5 / 8 - inch diameter hollow tine cores to a depth of 2 I / 2 to 4 - inches, with spacing between cores at 3 - inches. This is achieved using a piston - driven aeration machine. Aeration cores are broken
down using a turf, flexible drag - mat to help maintain an even and level field
playing surface. When required, follow up with either a core harvester or
pulverizer is used to remove cores completely.
Spike Aeration is basically core aeration
without the hollow cores. When spike
aerating, no soil is removed from the turf.
Instead, soil is squeezed to all sides of the
solid tine which pierces into the turf. Spike
aeration loosens soil and alleviates
compaction in the short term, but it contributes to compaction in the long term.
Holes are approximately 2 - inches apart from each other. Spike aerators tend to pierce the soil 2 1 / 2 to 4 - inches deep. Spike aeration is utilized on turf at times when scheduling or weather restrictions do not allow for core aeration, and on common
turf areas around tree roots. Verti-drain/Deep tine is also used in the city to de -
compact soil down to full working depth of 14 - inches.
In areas where piston - driven aeriation is not practical other means are used such as
drums or slicers . Prior to any turf operation City contractors locate and flag all
irrigation components to ensure proper operation after all work is completed.
Benefits of Core Aeration ...
Good For Heavy Compaction & Heavy Foot traffic
Decrease the Need to Dethatch Turf
Increases Visual Appeal of Turf
Cores Act as Compost
Dense Turf Growth
Long-Term Fix
Eco-Friendly
Verti-cutting is the process of removing the thatch buildup which
allows turf to breathe more efficiently. The absorption of nutrients and
moisture is increased since the younger blades of turf are not competing with
dead stems and roots that form thatch. Certain amounts of thatch are
necessary for healthy turf, provide cushioning and reduce compression in
high - traffic areas. Excessive thatch can become troublesome for turf as it
absorbs the air, water, and food that should be going to the younger blades.
Thatch also allows insects and disease to reproduce and fester with ease,
effectively creating a direct threat to the good health of turf grass. The City
uses verti - cutting to quickly and effectively remove thatch without excessive
damage to turf playing surfaces. Currently verti - cutting is used to keep the
surfaces of City sports turf open and able to breathe. The machine runs round
knife discs spaced 1.38 inches apart into the soil to a maximum working
depth of 3.15 inches. The cutting discs prune roots to encourage growth.
THIS FAST AND EFFECTIVE PROCESS CAN BE USED BY CITY CONTRACTORS YEAR-ROUND
Benefits of Verti- cutting …
Verti - cutting is a very beneficial technique
for maintaining and improving the overall
health of turf grass. In addition to
removing thatch, it also:
Provides Grass Roots with Better Access to Oxygen, Water, and Nutrients.
Helps Conserve Water by Ensuring that Moisture Reaches the Roots Efficiently .
Helps Prepare Turf for Over seeding.
Helps to Improve the Overall Health and Strength of Turf Grass.
Sand Banding improves drainage, reduces compaction and aerates the soil. The "Sand Injector" creates a 1 / 2 - inch sand channel 10 - inches apart and up to 10 - inches deep. Sand Ba
When soil is properly drained, a thin layer of capillary water is held onto soil
particles, and air fills the remaining space. This combination of soil, air and
water is the ideal environment for roots and beneficial organisms. Drains
provide an escape route for excess water in soil. Healthier roots will survive
any subsequent drought better, and many moisture - related diseases like
Pythium root rot, Pythium blight, Rhizoctonia brown patch and other
diseases will be avoided.
FOOT TRAFFIC AND FREQUENT MAINTENANCE AND MOWING OPERATIONS WILL CAUSE LESS COMPACTION WHEN SOIL IS WELL-DRAINED
Drill and Fill is accepted world - wide as the proven method to
modify the root zone without total renovation and while keeping the turf in
play. Whether the problem is compaction and poor drainage or
accumulated layering, the result of Drill and Fill aerification is improved turf
quality. This process drills holes up to 12 - inches deep into turf on 6 - inch
centers, removing soil and backfilling each hole with sand to create deep
sand columns in the root zone profile. Drill aerification without fill is an
alternative process effective in reducing “ iron layer ” problems and
greatly improves drainage.
DRILL AND FILL IS A VALUABLE PROCESS UTILIZED FOR TURF MANAGEMENT AT THE CITY OF IRVINE
Sand Topdressing & Organic Topdressing
Top dressing is the only way to change a poor soil profile without totally ripping up the soil, amending it properly, and re - sodding. Top dressing is also an effective way of filling in low spots or re - leveling the wear areas as they occur each year. Low spots left unrepaired become hazardous trip areas that tend to get more wear and collect standing water. The sand topdressing used by the City is typically an 80% sand and 20% organic compost. Topdressing is applied to a depth of up to 1 / 4 - inch using a top dressing machine, evenly spreading the sand over the designated area. After the sand has been applied all turf gets dragged with an appropriate drag mat, working the area in a circular pattern until the sand is evenly distributed. Once material has been smoothed on all playing surfaces, they are watered thoroughly to be ready for play. SOIL ORGANICS HELP PREVENT COMPACTION WHILE MICROBES HELP CONTROL TURF DISEASES PROVIDING A DARK GREEN COLOR ON TURF
Overseeding warm weather grasses such as Bermuda begin to go
dormant in late fall and winter. Over seeding with perennial rye grass in the
fall gives our premier sports fields a growing surface to play on and helps
prevent the complete destruction of the dormant Bermuda turf. Seed is
spread by a broadcast type applicator and covered with a specified top
dressing material.
lnterseeding/Spike and Seed is a second method of over
seeding that the City of Irvine utilizes. Seed is inserted into the soil using an
inter - seeding or spike and seed machine. Applying the seed in two different
directions over the designated area ensure optimal coverage is achieved.
After completion of the inter - seeding application, all debris is removed from adjacent hardscapes and walkways. In some cases an application of 1 / 4 - inch organics may be scheduled immediately after this process. Over seeding with
perennial rye seed usually only occurs on city designated fields that are
considered premier and lighted.
Sod Replacement is sometimes a necessary solution utilized in
restoring sports turf playing surfaces to optimum standards. Factors that
contribute to sod replacement can be excessive traffic wear from allocations
and special events where time for recovery is insufficient. In some cases
replacement is necessary along with soil amendment where cultural
practices were unable to achieve acceptable results.
The City of Irvine Public Works and Transportation,
Landscape Division continually strives to provide the
safest and highest quality sports turf fields possible.
Soil Organics
Help prevent compaction
Add Billions of Microbes, Bacteria That Break Down Fertilizer
Cause Turf To Go Dormant Later & Green Up Quicker ln The Spring
Help To Control Diseases
Provide Dark Green Color For Disease Control
Bio - stimulate Native Populations of Soil Organisms to Prevent Diseases
Contain Suppressive Micro - organisms Which Suppress Root Infecting Pathogens - Dollar Spot, Brown Patch, Pythium Blight, Necrotic Ringspot, Red Thread, Typula Blight
Root - zone Incorporation Can Provide Up to 4 years of Disease Suppression
Organic soil contains carbon - based material that is living or once living.
It contains organic matter that is rich in many nutrients and minerals. Organic
soils consist of decaying plant material, microorganisms, worms and many
other things. Mulch, compost, and manure can be used to amend nutrient
deficient soil like sandy soil, and turn it into rich, organic soil packed with
nutrients. Organic materials also facilitate drainage while retaining moisture.
Soil amendments are vital when preparing soil for planting. Soils must be
amended often to avoid becoming void of nutrients and organic matter.
What is Compost ?
Composting is the process of recycling
organic materials into an amendment that
can be used to enrich soil and plants.
Composting is nature’s way of recycling!
Benefits of Composting ... Feed the soil without using chemical fertilizers Keep food waste out of the landfills and prevent greenhouse gas emissions Conserve water by building healthy soils
Why Compost ?
The most rapidly growing source of organics is being manufactured by
cities, golf courses, schools, sewer plants, and feedlots. Composting is
the process of combining several sources of organics including all of
the above, as well as grass clippings, food by - products, recycled
newspapers and magazines, removed thatch, mulched tree limbs and
even chewed up old wood shingles.
City of Irvine athletic fields are mowed a minimum of once per week
and at least fifty - two times annually. Additional mowing of athletic fields may
be required for tournaments and on over seeded fields throughout the year.
Bermuda turf is mowed using hydraulic - driven reel mowers capable of mowing to a minimum height of 1 / 2 - inch. Bermuda turf that has been over - seeded
with Perennial Ryegrass is mowed with either a reel or rotary mower per city
representative request. After completion of
mowing, contractors are directed to ensure all
turf and hardscape areas are free of turf
clippings, plant debris and trash at the end of
the scheduled mow day.
Fertilization does more to improve poor
quality turf grass or to maintain good quality
turf grass than any other management
practices. Proper fertilization practices produce
a dense, medium to dark green turf that resists
pests and environmental stresses. Successful
turf fertilization requires the assessment of turf
nutritional requirements. The City utilizes soil
analysis reports to collect data for deficient
nutrients at each site. Deficiencies are then
addressed utilizing multiple fertilizer options
including granular and liquid.
Fertilizers
Liquid Fertilizer is formulated and packaged as a liquid and includes clear liquids
(solutions) and liquids that contain suspended solids (suspension fertilizers).
Nutrients are already in solution, which means they are also immediately available
to the plant. While the plant's root system absorbs most nutrients there's also a
very small amount that can be taken in through the leaves resulting in a quick green
up within days of the application. Liquid application usually has better coverage
which can better fight weeds. Since the nutrients are already in soluble form, most
of them are readily available to the plant. Liquids provide a fast release supply of
nutrients which initially produce good results but won't last as long as granular.
Granular Fertilizers are dry particles that manufacture in sizes between finely
crushed, granular, crystalline, powder or processed into uniform prills. They can
have a controlled release mechanism which might make the initial green up take a
little longer but the results will likely last much longer. Granular can also accomplish
more over time than liquid, per application.
Soil Analysis
Sand, silt, clay soil testing is done to determine how much of each soil component is present in the soil. At the direction of the City Representative, the landscape contractor performs a
predetermined soil and tissue analysis from the turf and/or planter areas. A soil test will provide the following:
1.
ph level
2.
Organic %
3.
Soluble Salts
4.
Lime Content
5.
Nitrogen ppm
6.
Phosphorus ppm
7.
Potassium ppm
8.
Sulfur ppm
9. Calcium ppm 10. Magnesium 11. Sodium ppm
12. Zinc ppm 13. Iron ppm 14. Manganese ppm 15. Copper ppm 16. Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)
*ppm (parts per million)
*Example of a typical soils report on next page
Soil Sample Report
Sand as shown in the table is the largest of the three soil particles. It shows a greater range in size than either silt or clay (from very coarse to very fine). Sand has a small surface area relative to its weight, low water - holding capacity, and poor plant nutrient retention. The large size of sand particles creates large spaces between particles. Since sand particles do not stick together, they do not compact. Trying to compact a sand soil (one containing 70% or more sand) would be like trying to compact a basket of ping - pong balls. This is one reason why sand - based root zones are commonly used on athletic fields and golf greens. Silt particles are smaller than sand particles, so the space between particles is smaller, providing greater water holding capacity than sand. Silts have low to medium nutrient capacity, and they will stick together rather well because of a clayey surface coating. The properties of silt are intermediate between those of sand and clay. Clay particles are the smallest of the three particles. Individual particles of clay will stay suspended in water and are not visible to the naked eye. Of the three particle types, they have the greatest surface area relative to their weight and the greatest nutrient - holding capacity. Since the space between clay particles is very small and their surface area is large, clays retain water strongly. Clay particles will stick together readily, so clay soils are very prone to compaction.
Clays are categorized into two major groups.
Montmorillonite Clays (found in the Midwest and West) show considerable swelling and shrinking when wet and dried, respectively, and have excellent nutrient - retention properties.
Kaolinite Clays (found mostly in the East and Southeast) exhibit little swelling or shrinking and tend to have poor nutrient - holding properties.
Classifying Soils according to texture most soils are mixtures of all three
particle types with organic matter. The ratios or amounts of each particle group
largely determine the properties of the soil. The percentage of each particle can be
determined by a mechanical analysis (sieve analysis). Then, using a Soil Textural
Triangle the soil can be classified into one of 12 categories.
Soil Texture Classes
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has identified twelve (12)
soil texture classes as follows:
Sand
Loamy Sand
Sandy Loam
Sandy Clay Loam
Loam
Silt Loam
Silt
Silty Clay Loam
Clay
Clay Loam
Sandy Clay
Silty Clay
Soil Structure: A soil with good - structure has two classes of pores. The large
pores are filled with air, while the small pores are filled with water. Sandy soils have
many large pores while clays have few large pores but many small pores. Therefore,
sandy soils exhibit excellent water and air movement into and through the profile,
while the movement of water and air through clay soils will be much slower.
However, because of their lack of small pore spaces, sandy soils have poor water -
holding capacity. Foot traffic and other forms of pressure exerted on the soil may
eliminate both large and small pores by compacting the soil and destroying its
structure. In such a situation turf - grass growth will be poor because of the limited
pore space available for air (needed by the roots) and water. Through cultural
practices, promoting drainage and adding soil amendments we affect soil structure
which promotes the growth of healthy turf.
pH Levels
The most important effect of pH on plant growth is its influence on nutrient availability. For example, under high pH soils, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc are much less available than at lower pH values. Often, nutrient deficiency symptoms
expressed by plants can be corrected by adjusting soil pH.
Water Analysis & Irrigation Management
The purpose of a water analysis is to
show the minerals and nutrients that are
in the irrigation water. The City of Irvine
irrigates all sport fields utilizing recycled
water provided by the Irvine Ranch
Water District (IRWD). Irrigation
controller schedules are based upon the
following criteria:
Plant Type Soil Type Sprinkler Type Crop Coefficient Sun exposure Slope
The landscape maintenance contractor
checks and inspects all components of
the irrigation system, from the valves to
the sprinkler heads, every 14 days. City
landscape staff provide close oversite to
all contract operations. Any malfunctions
or leaks are repaired the same day.
Irrigation Water Analysis & Water Management
The City of Irvine Landscape Division has efficient management
of water usage with Calsense Water Management. Through the
use of centrally controlled irrigation controllers the Athletic
Parks Landscape Maintenance staff use evapotranspiration (ET)
data to adjust the watering schedules to meet (IRWD) water
allocations and avoid water over use penalties. City park
irrigation systems are constantly analyzed and calibrated to
reach peak performance. Collaboration by City Landscape
Maintenance staff, contractors and industry experts is critical in
maintaining commitment towards innovation and efficiency.
Evapotranspiration is the combination of evaporation and transpiration.
Evaporation is the loss of water from the soil and transpiration is the loss of water
from the plant. Although it is difficult to forecast water usage due to factors such as
rainfall amounts, the City Landscape Specialists utilize rainfall histories for water
management strategies. This highly technical task is vital to the landscape's health
and adhering to water budgets. The goal is to apply the least amount of water
necessary to maintain healthy plant material. Smart controller technology, weather
data and weekly field observations are used to accurately water the sport fields and
landscapes. The settings are adjusted so that irrigation does not exceed IRWD ’ s
water allocation.
CITY STAFF MONITOR CALSENSE SMART CONTROLLERS DAILY AND RESPOND TO ALERTS AND SYSTEM FAILURES
PEST I.D.
OPTIONS
City of Irvine Integrated Pest Management Program
Introduction
The City of Irvine continues to implement the Public Works Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program adopted by the City Council in February 2016. This IPM policy sets forth the following goals: Citywide Pest Management Guiding Principles. Use of organic pesticides in all City properties. Limit exposure to any pesticides where children and the general public congregate.
Incorporate additional guidance on use of pesticides for City right of ways, facilities, and other properties, as reflected in the February 23, 2016, staff report. Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Level pesticides in a targeted manner, and only if deemed necessary to protect public health and economic loss by a licensed pest control advisor and City staff, when pests cannot be managed by other methods. The City ’ s comprehensive program prioritizes non - chemical pest control methods and is committed to manage municipal landscapes and parks in this most responsible way. The City ’ s IPM annual report summarizes program
activities and application data for each year. The IPM program applies to all City departments, although the majority of pest management responsibilities are under the guidance of the Public Works and Transportation, Landscape Division.
Alternative Pest Control for Landscape Maintenance
The City of Irvine Public Works and Transportation, Landscape Maintenance Division employs alternative methods for weed control, such as using steam
and mechanical removal. As budget allows, Fraze mowing is performed in conjunction with big roll sod installations
Landscape contractor using steam to eradicate weeds in hardscapes
Fraze mowing operation
to combat the annual weed challenges on the athletic fields. The process is expensive and labor intensive, but it is an alternative approach toward keeping athletic fields safe and playable.
Big roll sod installation on sports field
Landscape Modification and proper sanitation continues to be an effective non - chemical approach to rodent management. By removing plants away from buildings, removing understory vegetation and using closed trashcan receptacles, rodent populations are manageable.
PESTICIDE USAGE IN PARKS FOR WEED CONTROL
Since the implementation of the City of Irvine IPM Policy, the Landscape Maintenance Division has successfully managed a healthy turf grass population within the City ’ s IPM tiered approach. Organic as well as synthetic products are used to control weeds in hardscape and landscape at the 62 parks maintained by the city.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
Park Pesticides Usage For Insect Control
The City Landscape Maintenance Division also uses biological control to reduce pest
Fire ants continue to be a
challenge throughout the City. The
use of organic products provides
populations. Biological control uses organisms often referred to as beneficials, natural enemies, or biocontrols. The biological controls act to keep pest populations low enough to prevent significant economic damage. The most common organism types used for biological control in landscapes to combat pest populations are predators and parasites. The City of Irvine has implemented the use of beneficial insects which are released in the parks and streetscapes to combat destructive pests, instead of relying on pesticides.
adequate control after three
consecutive daily treatments if the
fire ants are detected early during
mound formation. The three
consecutive treatments are labor
intensive and costly, but the
practice is an example of the City ’ s
commitment to the organic first
approach to pest management.
Organic products are also
utilized for rodent control
in city parks.
PEST I.D.
OPTIONS
Requirements are completed as necessary to meet scheduled games and practices year round. Daily field preparation varies depending on the number of
events assigned to a field per week. All City fields are mowed using hydraulic - driven reel mowers twice per week and edged as needed. Field painting is achieved using string aligned to bases, following regulation baseball/ softball specified guidelines. Calcined clay conditioner is utilized on City of Irvine maintained fields to ensure optimum moisture levels and field playing surfaces. The year round monitoring of infield water moisture levels is a crucial component for maintaining safe and highly playable fields. Multiple infield preps and watering may be necessary in a day to achieve highest standards. Time of year, length of day, amount of sunlight, temperature and level of play determine the amount of maintenance, man - power, materials and moisture that each field will receive daily.
AS NEEDED
Calcined clay is used for water management and soil conditioning to provide safe, consistent playing surfaces.
Infield skin to turf transitions are cut and raked, disturbed material is then leveled and compacted to restore playability.
WEEKLY
Hydraulic - driven reel and walk - behind mowers are utilized to maintain exceptional turf playability.
DAILY
Base anchors are inspected and cleaned to ensure bases set flush and firm.
Infield surface moisture monitoring is crucial in maintaining our city ballfields.
All pitching mounds, pitcher ’ s circles and batter ’ s boxes are repaired as needed with specialized mound clays. Application areas are cleaned, compacted and watered for maximum durability and game play.
All City of Irvine fields are maintained by trained contractors and city staff. Special care is given to provide the highest quality experience for all users. Constant assessment of equipment and proper practices to utilize daily is overseen by City of Irvine Landscape Maintenance staff.
Even with the best possible maintenance practices followed it
Scheduled Field Closure
Remove all Base Anchors, Pitching
eventually becomes necessary to reset playing surfaces through the use of light grading or laser leveling. City ballfields are inspected regularly to determine the appropriate scheduling for leveling and renovation as it is a complex operation which requires a significant window in which to complete all necessary work. City of Irvine staff inspect and review all fields for playability and safety daily.
Rubbers & Home Plate
Heavy Water Infield
Rip & Rototill to 6
Inches (Add/Remove Material)
LASER LEVELING w/ Sports Field Specialized Computer Laser Leveling Equipment Re-install All Removed Infield Hardware to City Specifications
Light Grading is necessary when infield material builds up near transitions from infield skin to turf. Identified areas are scraped to maintain maximize playability of skinned surfaces. This is accomplished by dragging a box cutting scraper blade lightly across the infield surface to remove any high areas and fill in indentations and undulations.
“ The popularity of cricket has grown over the past several years in Irvine, and this new pitch is foundational for the growth of our new youth cricket camps and activities, ” said Irvine Mayor Farrah N. Khan. “ Thank you to the community for working with City staff on this project so kids can enjoy playing cricket in addition to all of our other great youth sports. ”
City planning with close
Completion of the First Designated Youth Cricket Pitch in Irvine
collaboration by Community
Members & Youth Leagues was
essential in this project’s success!
Planning for the site and layout of Irvine ’ s first cricket pitch took place in the summer of 2021. This effort required collaboration of various departments within the City of Irvine as well community members/stakeholders ’ from youth cricket leagues. Construction began in early January 2022, and was followed by the official opening celebrated on March 13, 2022 with a ribbon - cutting ceremony at Cypress Community Park. The new, lighted natural grass pitch was constructed 78 - feet by 27 - feet, with an outfield radius of 155 - feet. The constructed size allows for the placement of three separate pitch layouts that can be rotated between to allow adequate recovery and maintenance of the turf playing surface. The pitch will be available for youth cricket activities offered through the Southern California Youth Cricket Academy and the Southern California Cricket Association Youth. The pitch is open to youth cricket enthusiasts when not reserved.
PITCH CONSTRUCTION
Dimensions: 27’ x 78’ with 155’ radius
Layout and excavation to a depth of 11-inches below field level.
Installation of 1 1 /
2 -inch base aggregate compacted to 96% of its max density.
Installation of 3 /
8 -inch and finer aggregate compacted to 96% and 1-inch thick.
Pitch soil layers added 3 times, each layer compacted to 1.20 minimum density.
Final screed and laser level to plus or minus 1 /
8 -inch of final grade.
Installation of thin cut washed sod & over seeded as required.
Sod is cut to playing depth of 1 /
1 / 2 -inch, watered & rolled as needed.
4 to
SEASONAL
Cricket pitches require several applications annually.
DAILY
Watering in small amounts multiple times throughout the day allows for an even soak into the soil profile. The amount of water to be applied will vary based on weather conditions. It is important to have enough water to maintain the turf plant while not overwatering and softening the pitch. Watering the soil profile to depth is a crucial step to produce a hard, bouncy surface.
WEEKLY
Rolling is crucial to the production of fast pitches, since the cricket square requires a firm, even surface. Rolling of the pitch begins with a light roller when all surface water has disappeared. The weight of the roller is increased as the pitch dries to get the most compaction possible before match play.
Following match play, pitches are checked for small scars or depressions and repaired where necessary. The application of sieved/screened heavy clay loam to the surface of the square improves and restores the underlying soil. The clay is spread by hand or machine thoroughly and keyed into the surface by use of a Turf Leveling Lute.
Cricket pitch grass clippings are collected and dried to later be spread over bare areas of pitch and then rolled in. This process is utilized to restore a uniform appearance visually and to keep play on the pitch consistent.
Mowing is the main operation carried out on the cricket field . Walk - behind greens mowers are used to maintain a desired grass blade height of approximately 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 - inch all season over the square. City of Irvine pitches are measured to youth regulation standards. Templates, string and tape measures are used to ensure straight and accurate dimensions on pitches.
Central Bark is an off-leash dog park for the Irvine Community. The park is available for dogs and their owners AT THEIR OWN RISK. The City of Irvine's Central Bark Dog Park, opened in 2000, features almost three acres of open field for off - leash play. The dog park is operated year - round and closed one day a week every Wednesday for park maintenance. The dog park receives considerable attention by City staff and contractors to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for users. Cleaning of all hardscape surfaces and benches, mowing, irrigation tracking and repairs are all scheduled weekly on Wednesdays. When required all DG, sod and additional maintenance is completed in a manner not to disrupt park use.
WATERING FACILITY FOR DOGS
LARGE MAIN YARD
SEPARATE FENCED AREA FOR SMALL OR FRAIL DOGS
COVERED SEATING AREA
LIGHTING FIXTURES
HANDICAP ACCESS
The dog park receives the same attention, maintenance and care that is provided to all City of Irvine parks sports turf year - round.
CLOSURES Occasionally Central Bark closes due to inclement weather or other circumstances. Closures are posted on the City of Irvine's Field Conditions web page at cityofirvine.org/mudd or call 949 - 724 - MUDD .
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