The 2013 SoccerPlex event season has begun! As patrons visit Maryland SoccerPlex this spring, they will notice improvements have/ are taking place as part of the 2012 SoccerPlex Field Improvement Plan. The Field Improvement plan, adopted with the goals to reduce rain cancellations and increase field use, includes the installation of lights on Field 14 & 17 and the complete renovation of SoccerPlex Stadium last Sept, along w/ the following projects:
Drains Installation on Fields 4, 6, 7, 8, & 10
SoccerPlex Fields 4, 6, 7, 8, & 10 have had drain laterals installed running across the width of the field. These fields were selected because they stay wet the longest of all other SoccerPlex fields.
What Difference Will This Make For You?
Drains across the fields will collect the rain water to reduce/ eliminate puddles on the surface. With no puddles, less time will be required for the fields to become playable or receive maintenance following heavy rain. Also, puddles around the exterior of the fields, that are a nuisance for spectators and players alike, will be reduced.
In July, these same fields will have drain channels cut into them running the length of the fields also. These additional channels will assist to move water off the surface even faster and create superior drainage conditions in time for the late summer and fall rainy season.
What Will You See?
For the first few weeks of the season, you might notice lines that look a bit like American football yard lines running across the field where the drains have been trenched in and back-filled w/ sand. Along the edges of the field, you will notice the new soil on top of the main line collectors. By late April, all evidence of the work will be gone, but the positive results will remain for seasons to come.
Complete Re-Construction of Fields 14 & 17
(UPDATE: THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN DELAYED UNTIL JUNE DUE TO AN EXTENDED PERMITTING PROCESS REQUIRED BY THE STATE OF MD)
Last fall, Fields 14 & 17 became the first grass fields at Maryland SoccerPlex to have lights for nighttime use. Following use by MSI’s Cherry Blossom tournament this past weekend, these 2 fields are now closed until the Potomac Memorial Day tournament to undergo a complete re-construction.
Lights on Fields 14 & 17 Were Installed Last August
Why Are They Being Re-constructed?
Fields 14 & 17 are having a sand soil installed for the grass to grow in. SoccerPlex Stadium is only other of SoccerPlex’s 22 fields that have the sand soil. Sand allows water to soak in quickly so that there are never puddles on the field, causing the field to become unplayable during rain. Sand also does not compact like regular soils, so Field 14 & 17 will be able to host more play.
What Difference Will This Make For You?
With the sand soil, Fields 14 & 17 will be nearly rain-out proof. With lights on both fields, more matches will be able to take place at night. The sand soil, shock absorbent stability fibers in the sand, advanced genetic grass varieties, and the lights will all combine to allow week day train sessions, more matches during tournaments, and even play during the winter because the fields can sustain more events without the grass starting to wear out.
What Will You See?
During construction from mid-March until early May, Fields 14 & 17 will be completely dug up. The existing grass will be removed. High efficiency irrigation will be installed. Drain lines will be laid and 6″ of sand will be spread across the fields. Stability fibers, similar to fibers in SoccerPlex Stadium’s field, will be incorporated into the sand and seed will be planted sometime in mid to late April. The fields will have 4-5 weeks to grow in before they open for the Potomac Memorial Day tournament.
The seed and grow-in process is the same that was used on the 35 day grow-in of SoccerPlex Stadium last September.
SoccerPlex Stadium- 35 Days After Seeding (10/6/12)
Extensive work will not be taking place on the fields during weekend league play in order to best protect the SoccerPlex patrons. But if you are in the park during the day on weekdays, please be aware that there will be increased traffic through mid-April.
Conclusion: What Does It All Mean?
There are several field improvements that have or are currently taking place at Maryland SoccerPlex: 1) Light installation on Fields 14 & 17 took place last September along with 2) the complete renovation of the SoccerPlex Stadium field. 3) Drain installation on Fields 4, 6, 7, 8, & 10 is 1/2 way complete and 4) the re-construction of Fields 14 & 17 will start in the next few days.
These field improvements are a product of the commitment the Maryland Soccer Foundation has made to lowering the number of rain cancellations and increasing capacity for Maryland SoccerPlex patrons. Fewer rain cancellations mean less re-schedules. Less re-schedules mean more field availability. More field availability means everyone gets more matches at Maryland SoccerPlex. SoccerPlex patrons… THANK YOU for your feedback, THANK YOU for your patience, and THANK YOU for your support. 2013 is going to be a great year!!
For updates on all SoccerPlex field improvements and maintenance practices, follow MD_SoccerPlex Fields spokesman Seed_McGrass on Twitter!!
SoccerPlex Grounds & Environment 