"Iowa Athletic Field Construction Company has done an outstanding job designing and building our new softball field. Their service and professionalism have been second to none. We really appreciate their efforts and our players look forward to playing on their new softball field."
Bryce Smeins
Athletic Director
Washington High School
Washington, Iowa
"I wanted to take this opportunity to fully compliment your crew and company for all of the outstanding work they have done for Ames High these past few years. During our synthetic turf project, baseball and softball field updates, and other irrigation jobs you have delivered on all of the promises and expectations that we agreed on. The quality of work and timeliness of completion has just been rock solid. Communication of expectations on both the school side and your side has been very good as well. The professionalism and courtesy of you and your staff was and still is greatly appreciated. As I reflect back on numerous construction types of projects that I have been a part of here for the last fifteen years, I can say without a doubt Iowa Athletic Field Construction Company is tops on my list of people to work with. Again, keep up the good work and congratulations from Ames High Athletics on jobs well done."
Judge W. Johnston
Ames High Athletic Director
Field Renovation
Many factors play a role in deciding what level of renovation is needed to provide a safe and aesthetically pleasing playing surface. Among these factors are the amount of damage, desired level of play, timing, available resources and budget. Proper consideration of each of these factors before field renovation will result in a field that is safe, attractive, and within budget.
Field Audit
Athletic field managers are often faced with situations out of their control that make it impossible for even the best turf grass managers to produce a high-quality field. Poor weather, lack of resources, too many events and improper scheduling can devastate a field, resulting in the need for partial or complete renovation.
Unfortunately, budget constraints are often the most limiting factor when renovating a field. Therefore, it is imperative that field managers properly assess the problem and find out how to get the most for their money.
Problems that are large enough to result in field renovation can be broken into three main categories: turf problems, grade/soil problems(tile poor drainage), and skinned area (including pitching mounds/home plate areas).
Insufficient Crown or Grade
Problems associated with the grade/soil are somewhat different. These would include problems such as an insufficient crown, poor surface/subsurface drainage and soil compaction. Problems such as these are a result of poor grading or soil conditions and can be indirectly responsible for the death of the turf grass plant. They can also be responsible for other problems such as standing water, rainouts, and player injury. The good news is many of these problems can be addressed at any point during the year.
Poor Drainage / Compaction
Inadequate drainage is probably one of the most common causes of poor field conditions and game cancellations. The most common drainage system is trenched in perforated drain tile connected to a basin.
The procedure consists of 4” perforated pipe place into a trench filled with gravel sand and topped with coarse sand. The tile is usually place around the field and is tied into a catch basin, allowing any surface water draining from the crown of the field to intercept the drain and leave the site.
Compaction is a significant concern on all athletic fields. Many fields, especially at the high school level, play host to several different activities such as football, band practice, gym class, etc. In order to keep healthy turf grass on these fields, it is necessary to battle compaction through aerification. Compacted soil restricts air and water movement to the roots. If the roots do not receive adequate levels of both oxygen (air) and water, the turf grass plant will be stunned, easily diseased and possibly die.
Deep-tine aerification is by far the most effective means of battling compaction. These machines have core and solid tines with diameter ranging from ½ “ to 1” and depths ranging from 6” to 12”. This equipment can be especially useful in aerating deeply compacted areas such as soccer goal mouths and between the hashes of football fields. They are effective at breaking up any subsurface layers, allowing air and water to percolate deep into the root zone.
Top Dressing
Top dressing is an inexpensive way to address inadequate soil conditions and improve drying times after normal rainfall. If repeated annually, the end result is an amended soil, along with deep tine aerification, that is conducive to establishing a strong root base. A strong root base that provides a safe and aesthetically pleasing playing field that reduces drying time.
Available Services
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Site Design
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Surveying
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Site Preparation
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Layout
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Grading
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Soil Amendments
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Infield Mixes
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Flex-A-Clay®
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Lip Removal
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Infield Edging
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Weed Control
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Shaping of Mounds
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Batter Box Material
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Baseline Design
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On Deck Circles
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Seeding
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Sodding
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Over-Seeding
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Deep Tine Aeration
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Top Dressing
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Fertilization
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Fence Construction
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Bullpen Design
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Bases
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Home Plates
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Pitching Rubbers
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Irrigation Installation
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Irrigation Supplies
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Foul Poles
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Fencing-Fabric
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Artificial Turf
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Equipment
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Machinery
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Expertise
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Portable Pitching Mounds
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Drainage
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Consultation