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Are Here: Education 2006
Athletic Field Symposium:
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THE POPULARITY OF YOUTH AND ADULT SPORTS IS GROWING and as a result, pressure on public and private sports fields in New England is increasing. In response to demand new fields are being constructed and existing fields renovated. At the same time, protection and restoration of water resources, environmentally sensitive areas, and ecosystems are critical. Architects, engineers, construction professionals, and their colleagues are challenged to design, build, and maintain safe, functional fields and complexes that are ecologically sustainable and economically feasible. Successful projects result in fields that enhance the community and are capable of handling high levels of use.
The 2006 Athletic Field Symposium: Specification, Design, Construction and Renovation of Sports Fields was developed by UMass Extension to address the aforementioned issues. Topics covered by a lineup of expert speakers included fundamentals of sports field construction, field construction types and methods appropriate for various site conditions, how to select, construct, manage and amend root zones for sports fields, the essential elements of a successful design/build team, how to work proactively and innovatively with environmentally mandated restrictions, and cutting edge, ecologically sustainable design elements. The event was attended by a diverse audience which included professionals who write, review, and comply with sports field construction and renovation specifications or those who design and construct sports fields or manage grow-in and maintenance or oversee any of these processes. Also in attendence were architects, landscape architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, managers, officials, business professionals who make related to sports field specifications, environmental regulators, and municipal board representatives. We offer our sincere thanks to all those who helped make the day a success!
If you have suggestions in regard to or are interested in attending future athletic field symposiums offered by UMass Extension, we are eager to speak with you. Please contact Mary Owen at (508) 892-0382; mowen@umext.umass.edu or Jason Lanier at (413) 545-2965; jdlanier@umext.umass.edu.
The 11/29/06 speakers:
Mr. Jeff Bowman, Project Engineer,
Irrigation Consulting, Inc, Pepperell, MA
http://www.irrigationconsulting.com 
Mr. Murray Cook, President, Brickman
Sports Turf, Columbia, MD
http://www.brickmangroup.com
Dr. Jason Henderson, Assistant Professor
of Soil Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
http://www.cag.uconn.edu
Dr. Norm Hummel, President, Hummel & Co.,
Trumansburg, NY
http://www.turfdoctor.com/
Dr. Barrett Kays, Barrett Kays, Inc.,
Raleigh, North Carolina
http://www.barrettkays.com
Mr. Patrick Maguire, RLA, CLARB, President,
Geller Sport, Inc., Boston, MA.
http://www.gellersport.com
Mr. Robert Pine, Pine & Swallow
Associates, Groton, MA.
http://www.lsrhs.net
The 11/29/06 agenda:
8:00 - Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:30 - Welcome and Introductions
8:45 - The Right Fit: Matching
Field Type to Site, Use and Budget
Mr. Patrick Maguire , Geller Sport Inc.
Determining the best field design for specific site, use and budget is critical
to a successful project, satisfied clients and environmental protection. Native
soil or sand based root zone, natural grass or artificial surface, and type
of drainage and irrigation systems are some of the variables to consider in
the early planning phase. Using case studies, Mr. Maguire will discuss how
to weigh the various factors involved in guiding clients to make the most sensible
decisions about field type selection.
9:30 - Break
9:45 - Specifications
Dr. Norm Hummel, Hummel & Co.
Specifications can be the sound basis on which a project is built, or the quagmire
that results in a compromised playing surface. Learn how to evaluate specifications,
recognize specification pitfalls and look for essential elements. Dr. Hummel
will also discuss selecting grasses, planning for maintenance and setting benchmarks
for grow-in and project assumption.
10:45 - Getting the Job Done
Right the First Time Around: Successful Project Management
Mr. Murray Cook, Brickman Sports Turf
Get the job right, on time, and within budget. Mr. Cook will discuss the essential
elements of a successful design-build and grow-in team, as well as estimating
jobs accurately and the overall process of field construction.
11:30 - The Fields at Gillette
Mr. Patrick Maguire, Geller Sport
Inc.
From practice to play and all the events in between, the high profile, state-of-the-art
fields at Gillette pose a management challenge. Mr. Maguire will discuss highlights
of the recent changes at this prestigious facility.
1:30 - Constructing, Amending
and Managing Sports Field Root Zones
Dr. Jason Henderson, University of Connecticut
Learn about the characteristics of a desirable sports field rootzone and what
those characteristics mean to overall field performance. Dr. Henderson will
also discuss selection of rootzone components and amendments, including sands,
organic materials and inorganic amendments, as well as best management practices
for specific rootzones.
2:30 - Panel: Meeting Environmental Challenges
of the Future with Sustainable Design
This panel will address issues that are an increasing component
of all development projects: the use of irrigation water, the implications
of close proximity to wetlands or bodies of water, the need to protect
and enhance natural resources and the demand for sustainable environmental
design.
3:45 – Wrap-up, CEUs awarded
4:00 – Adjourn
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