PSC
FIELD RENOVATIONS UNDERWAY
revised
8.Sep.2010, David Rice, PSC President
As the fall 2010 season begins families returning to the Portage Soccer Complex will see the evidence of a busy summer construction season. Field drainage repairs to fields 1 and 7 are nearing completion. To the casual eye you might wonder why the need for drainage repairs?
The Portage Soccer Complex was developed from late 2000 through early 2002. The fields were constructed over heavy clay soils. During the course of earthmoving the extent and depth of the clay soils was discovered. Remediation of the soils at that time would have involved removing clay soils and replacing with sand soils ($1 million +/-) or installing underground drainage tiles. Neither alternative was implemented due to cost constraints.
Over time drainage issues have arisen on fields 1, 2, 3 and 7. The drainage problems at fields 1 and 7 have limited the play on those fields to primarily small-sided games (U12 and under).
The Field Maintenance Committee explored various proposals to improve drainage. During 2008 and 2009 the PSC had "deep tine aeration" and "sand top dressing" done on these four fields. The purpose of the deep tine aeration and sand top dressing was to change the soil composition of these fields to improve drainage. Three applications were completed adding 50 tons of sand per field per application. While these treatments were helpful it did not markedly improve the field drainage.
In early 2010, the PSC hired Prein & Newhof, a local engineering firm, to investigate soil conditions and to design a subsurface drainage system. Its investigation included soil borings. Its report became the impetus to repair fields 1 and 7.
Field 7
The western half of field 7 drained poorly due to pitch and a higher elevation along the west side. This creates a bowl effect and water cannot migrate off the field. The proposed solution was to strip and remove sod and a layer of unsuitable soil, import new soil, regrade to establish the proper pitch and install new sod. Additionally, a drywell and finger drains were installed on the west side (no drywell previously existed). The field will be playable in spring 2011. As this field is resting we ask all to please stay off it. See photos below.
Field 1
The entirety of field 1 drains poorly. This is due to the thick clay layer below the top soil. While regrading and sodding this field is an option, the better solution is to install an underground drainage system. The installation of the drainage system is nearing completion. The advantage of this system is that installation minimally disturbs the field and playability is immediate. See photos below.
The cost of these repairs totalled in excess of $100,000, paid entirely by the PSC. The funds come from the operation of the Portage Soccer Classic Tournament. Now in its 25th year, the tournament has earmarked all of its proceeds to the development and operation of the PSC's youth soccer program. In total, the tournament has raised and contributed over $300,000 for the development of the Portage Soccer Complex.
Field
7 Field Renovation (late summer 2010) | |
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Field
1 Field Renovation (late summer 2010) | |
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