School Playing Fields: Planning and Design Guidance - VicSport

Synthetic grass pitchesSpecific maintenance requirements will vary according to pitch type and manufacturers instructions.An indicative outline schedule is provided below:Figure 15: Suggested maintenance for an SGP.ActionCheck fixtures and fittingsMake sure gates are shutClear leaves and rubbish from the areaDeal with any new weeds, moss or algaeBrush the surface of the pitch to redistribute sandCheck infill levelsOutside the fence, check and clear mowing strips and check cleanliness of access pathsCheck the irrigation system if installedCheck lightingCheck thoroughly for moss and algae growth, food stains etc, and remedy as appropriateCheck seams, inlaid lines etc, and report any failures to the installerPower grooming• Sweep the pitch surface with rotating brush• Remove debris and leaves• Remove fine contaminates and dusts from the surfaceFrequencyDailyDailyWeeklyWeeklyWeeklyMonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthlyPeriodically(at least every six months)Periodically(at least every six months)QuarterlyMulti-use games areas andtennis courtsThe routine maintenance requirements forMUGAs and tennis courts will vary accordingto the type of surface finish. Indicative outlinemaintenance schedules are provided below.Bitmac and porous concrete facilitiesBitmac facilities are hard wearing and requirerelatively little maintenance. The main requirementsare to keep the area free from debris, preventmoss and algae forming and ensure that theinterstices of the surface do not become cloggedthus impairing drainage.While porous concrete courts are hard wearingand need very little maintenance, it is critical thatthe required maintenance actions are carried outif the court is to remain free draining. It is importantthat vegetation and debris are removed from thecourt otherwise the free drainage of the structurewill be impaired. A typical maintenance schedulefor both these surfaces is suggested opposite.Figure 16: Suggested maintenance for Bitmacand porous concrete facilities.ActionCheck facility, fixtures and fittingsRemove litter and debris asrequiredClear leaves and rubbish fromthe courtDeal with any moss or algaeCheck lightingWash the courtApply moss-killerRe-paint lines as requiredFrequencyDailyDailyWeeklyMonthlyMonthlyAnnuallyAnnuallyAnnuallyMoss and weed treatment• Apply regulation dosages of an approved moss and weed killer to a 3m band on thepitch perimeter. Apply in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and current Healthand Safety Legislation. The application will generally be carried out using tractor mountedapplicators• Dependent on the severity of infestation more than one application may be required• Also dependent on the severity of infestation, the treated area may be restricted to theperimeter margin or a full application across the total playing surface may be requiredContra brushing• Penetrate the top 2–3 mm of sand infill• Break up the formed crust of contaminant and compacted silica sand• Drag brush the surface to provide even coverageEvery 6 monthsAnnualSchool Playing Fields 52School Playing Fields 53