1959-60

836
This section is issued for guidance
only, and
conveys no authority for the expenditure of public
funds beyond the provisions of Barrack Synopsis
and the official regulations issued from time to time.
RECREATION GROUNDS
CONSTRUCTION
SELECTION OF SITE
In
the majority of cases where recreation grounds are to be
constructed, very little choice exists, as it is generally a question of
making grounds on available land.
There are, however, cases where a selection can be made ; before
any decision is taken, consideration should be. given to :
(a) Shape of Ground
An area rectangular in shape is preferable for economy of space,
as ground must be wasted where the boundaries are irregular unless
the sharp corners and salients can be utilised for buildings, etc.
(b) Kind of Land to Choose
The ideal is land which is practically level, of a light loam nature,
with subsoil affording good drainage. If covered with well matured
turf, much expense and time will be saved in making the ground
ready for play.
The construction cost of developing arable land is naturally
heavier, as turf either has to be imported or the area sown. Turfing
is preferable, though more costly than seeding, as it may be two
years or more before a ground that has been sown can be considered
suitable for football and hockey, owing to the hard wear to which
it will be subjected.
(c) Land to be Avoided
Land of steep gradients, heavy soil, clay, or that which is liable
to flooding should be avoided. The cost of construction is naturally
heavy in levelling, draining, and dealing generally with the soil.
Land of a light and sandy nature that dries out and crumbles
easily is not desirable, unless one is prepared to improve the fer-
tility of the soil and its water-retaining capacity or even to use
artificial water in summer. Light land can only be used sparingly
and the maintenance costs are heavy.