1957-58

828
RECREATION GROUNDS
Drainage Assistance
It must be expected on an area as big as a football pitch that there
may be places which hold water longer than the remainder. These
parts should be gently eased up with a fine tined fork to clear the
water before play.
Treatment after Frost
In the event of frost the area may be played on
while the frost
holds, but not during the period of thaw.
When the frost is thoroughly
out of the ground roll before allowing any play.
TREATMENT AFTER THE GROUNDS HAVE
CONSOLIDATED
After the grounds have become thoroughly weathered and
consolidated by use, the amount of attention required is small
provided that this is given regularly and not neglected in any way.
Matting
The area should be matted about three times a week, dependent
on the amount of use. Matting helps to keep moss and weeds under
control ; it also assists in keeping the coarse and the fine parts of
the surfacing proportionately mixed.
Watering and Rolling
During a spell of dry weather, after matting the area should be
thoroughly watered and about half an hour allowed for the water
to soak in before rolling. This should be done in opposite directions
from time to time.
Patching Worn Parts
Any patching required should be carried out by raking the bad
places, well watering and making up with new material. The
patches should then be thoroughly soaked with water and well
rolled. The repaired portion will soon weather and blend in with
the remainder of the area.
A'ote. •
A
supply of surfacing material should always be available.
It is estimated that S tons per acre per annum will normally be
required.
Marking out the Ground
When it is desired to mark out same permanently—this can be
done in the same way as a tennis court—to be effective the line
should be brushed and damped before the whitening is applied. If
temporary lines only are required this is best done with a suitable
powder. Special machines can be obtained for distributing.
" Hard " grounds have one great advantage over " grass they can be used not only all day, but every day, instead of the
normal two or three days a week,
providing the proper maintenance
attention is given.
They are suitable for Cricket with matting wickets, Association
Football, Hockey, Basket Ball, Rounders, Athletics, etc.
Boots or shoes with studs should not be used until the ground is
thoroughly consolidated.