Maintaining performance

Maintaining a playing surface, court or track is crucial in order to protect both the users and the investment made in the facility

Correct maintenance of any sports or play surface is essential to ensure optimum performance and longevity, which in turn delivers value for money. The same also applies to other aspects of a facility, such as lighting, interiors and equipment. It is important to understand what maintenance is required across your facility and how often, including what needs to be done by the facility owner or manager, and when professional maintenance specialists might be required. The cost of maintenance equipment and any ongoing maintenance costs should be factored in at the start of any project.

Remember to follow the maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer and/or contractor – especially as this may vary from product to product, even for similar types of surface.

There are four main benefits of ensuring a regular, appropriate maintenance programme.

1 Prolonging lifespan:

Just like natural grass fields, artificial surfaces degrade over time due to regular use, weather conditions and other environmental factors. However, with proper maintenance, the lifespan of these surfaces can be significantly extended. Regular cleaning, brushing, and infill redistribution help prevent compaction, uneven wear, and deterioration of the playing field.

2 Ensuring safety:

Safety should be a non-negotiable aspect of any sporting activity. Maintaining artificial surfaces is crucial for minimising the risk of player injuries. Over time, infill materials can become displaced, creating uneven playing surfaces that increase the likelihood of slips, trips, and falls. Additionally, proper maintenance helps identify and address potential hazards such as tears, seams, or uneven patches that could lead to player injuries if left unattended.

3 Optimal performance:

Athletes demand consistency and predictability from their playing surfaces. Regular maintenance ensures that artificial sports surfaces maintain their intended performance characteristics, such as traction, ball bounce, and shock absorption. By keeping these surfaces in top condition, players can perform at their best, enhancing the overall quality of competition.

4 Aesthetic appeal:

Beyond functionality, the appearance of sports surfaces plays a significant role in shaping the overall experience for athletes and fans. Well-maintained surfaces not only look more visually appealing but also convey a sense of professionalism and pride in the facility. The aesthetic appeal of a well-maintained surface contributes to the ambiance.

How can SAPCA help?

The Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA) has produced a wide range of guides which cover the installation and maintenance of a variety of sports facilities and playing surfaces. These documents provide a reference point for facility operators, as well as technical guidance for contractors. If you need a contractor, SAPCA’s extensive list of verified members includes a choice of specialist maintenance partners, including dedicated maintenance providers and installation companies with end-to-end maintenance solutions. The membership list for manufacturers and suppliers of maintenance equipment can be browsed at: [www.sapca.org.uk/members/](http://www.sapca.org.uk/members/)

Data – key to unlocking the power of maintenance

Globally, turf managers are constantly having to adapt to the challenges of maintaining elite sports surfaces in a way that is sustainable and future proof. STRI Group has been conducting scientific investigation and research into the improvement of sports surfaces since 1929, providing solutions and strategies for golf clubs, equestrian tracks, tennis courts, elite pitches in stadiums, and schools and grassroots facilities.

With years of research, STRI firmly believes that data is key to success, evidenced by the approach to managing the King Abdulaziz racetrack in Riyadh. As principal contractors for Saudi Arabia’s first turf racing track in 2019, STRI Group conducted continuous track monitoring and maintenance measures throughout each racing season.

Faced with unpredictable weather, the track remained resilient due to the strict monitoring and maintenance implemented. This included daily moisture, penetration and sheer values, grass length, firmness, top and lower layer stiffness measurements and monthly soil chemical and physical analysis. Data collection was paramount in ensuring consistent track conditions and it has enabled the fairest and safest racing environment for equine athletes and their jockeys.

Bringing back the ‘unusable’

Replay Maintenance is always up for a challenge and transforming the unusual, unloved, and unusable back to ‘as new’. When Center Parcs Elveden Forest approached Replay about their leaf and moss-covered synthetic turf Segway Track, Replay was eager to show what its specialist Renovate and Rejuvenation processes could achieve, at a fraction of the cost of resurfacing.

The sand filled synthetic surface located in the leafy forest with limited sunlight provided the perfect environment for moss growth. When moss takes hold, it can be difficult to eliminate. Couple this with all the leaves and tree debris accumulating on the surface, the deterioration accelerated, and the area became unsafe and unusable.

Replay carried out an assessment and, as in most situations, if the construction and turf quality are good then any surface can be restored by Replay’s specialist maintenance processes. Not only saving the client thousands but also extending the usable life by many more years.

Jon Holloway of Center Parcs said: “Both the Segway track and artificial grass tennis courts at Elveden Forest are now maintained to the high standards that our customers have come to expect from a Center Parcs village – thanks to Replay Maintenance.”