Piedmont Park - Field upkeep
Below is a comparison of the field conditions on the Piedmont Park softball fields.
On Tuesday, March 30, 2010, we raked, dragged, and lined the North Softball Field (2) using a field drag mat. This was done by hand.
Below are pictures illustrating the conditions of the field before and after. The only reason it took as long as it did for us to complete the field preparation (50 minutes total) was because we spent 20 minutes digging out the base anchors at second and third base, resetting the anchors so they were straight and even with the surface, and replacing the bases so they were properly aligned.
You can click on the thumbnails below for a full screen view
| Tuesday - March 30, 2010 - 2:55pm | Tuesday - March 30, 2010 - 3:15pm |
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| Tuesday - March 30, 2010 - 2:55pm | Tuesday - March 30, 2010 - 2:55pm |
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| Tuesday - March 30, 2010 - 3:15pm | Tuesday - March 30, 2010 - 3:15pm |
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| Tuesday - March 30, 2010 - 3:45pm | Tuesday - March 30, 2010 - 3:45pm |
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| Tuesday - March 30, 2010 - 3:45pm - FIELD 2 after being raked, dragged, lined |
Tuesday - March 30, 2010 - 3:45pm - FIELD 1 no maintenance done |
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| This is the drag we used. It is the same as shown in the picture below, and we pulled it by hand. A 6' x 6' steel mesh field drag. Optimal efficiency would be with a motorized cart or a small lawn tractor with the mower deck removed. | This is the drag that is being used by Piedmont Park Conservancy. A nail drag is used to loosen or break up the dirt and clay and does not leave a smooth level surface. That is why there are huge puddles every time it rains and large crevices and holes on the field. This drag is not even sold or made anymore |
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| Attached to the back of the cart is a steel mesh field drag.
This picture was taken in March of 2009.
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The information below is taken from the MLB field maintenance guide.
Drags
A drag is used to smooth the skinned (dirt) areas of the infield. Various
models of drags are available. A drag can be pulled by hand or attached to the
back of a vehicle and pulled. Some motorized maintenance vehicles come equipped
with dragging implements. Drags are built from steel mesh.
It should be emphasized that the drag should not overlap the grassed areas. If overlapping does occur, a dangerous “lip” of built up dirt will occur at the edge of the grass area. The drag should always be picked up and carried away and never dragged across the grass area.
A nail drag is used to scarify, or loosen, the skinned areas of the infield.
