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 Technical Meeting 2008 ASBA Technical Meeting - December 7-9, 2008 New Orleans, LA (Tentative program) Read more...
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 Engineering
an Athletic Field:
Tools for a Winning Design
The importance of athletic fields has increased in today’s society due to the popularity of sporting events. Read more... |
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Board Happenings Another Successful Meeting in Indy Read More... Obituary Frank Armstrong ASBA is saddened to report the passing of Frank H. Armstrong (Frank Armstrong Enterprises, Milwaukee, WI) on Saturday, June 7. Frank got an early start in the paving business working for his father at White Construction in Chicago. He was a respected figure in the Milwaukee paving industry, first with Munson-Armstrong Paving (Glendale, WI) and later with his own company. He was married for 52 years to Sue (nee Sullivan) and, together, they were the parents of nine daughters. Frank and Sue were frequent attendees at Association meetings. Memorials in Frank’s name can be sent to Sisters of Charity, BVM, 1150 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa 52003, or to St. Robert’s Catholic Church, 4019 N. Farwell Avenue, Shorewood, WI, 53211.
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Hey, how about those candidates! It looks like we can’t lose this time. We’ll all finally be able to pay our fair share of taxes; all our problems and those of everyone else on this planet are just about to be solved; no more war, famine, pestilence, and my personal favorite – we are finally going to help mother nature fix that pesky global warming thing, or non-thing, depending on your point of view. Yes sir, peace and prosperity, brotherly love, and just all-out goodness are just one election away. Hang on folks, just 5 more months. On the other hand……if you are inclined to be a bit pessimistic …. there are some that forecast a somewhat bleaker future. Perhaps even a (dare I say it?) recession. Several years ago, I got some advice that has served our company well. The advice was….always maintain at least three banking relationships. That’s three banks that know you and your company well enough to assume the role of your primary bank, should your current primary bank falter. With stress in the banking industry, some banks are withdrawing from certain lines of business (i.e., construction) regardless of the strength of the individual borrower. So, it’s a good time to confirm your existing bank’s commitment and develop some new banking relationships. On a positive note (always end on a positive note!), it’s not too early to start planning for the Technical Meeting in New Orleans December 6-9, 2008. Hope to see you there!
MEETINGS
Technical
Meeting 2008 The tentative program includes sessions of interest to all, including: There will be sessions for each division as well, including: Tennis: Track: Fields:
FEATURED ARTICLES
Note: ASBA welcomes articles on industry topics from its members, and from others in the industry. Please contact the ASBA if you are interested in writing or submitting an article.
Engineering an Athletic Field:
Tools for a Winning Design “How do we make the right decisions about our
athletic facilities?” The process of embarking on a new or upgraded athletic complex can be daunting. It is important to select a professional that understands the process, issues, and considerations that must be addressed throughout the project. It is important to select a design professional that can help analyze your needs and provide you with the tools to make informed decisions. It is important to select a design professional with site design and athletic field experience. Key Issues Key issues that should be considered when initiating an athletic facility project include: · Evaluating and recommending the best solution
to meet the athletic program needs for a surface (i.e., natural turf
vs. synthetic turf). Although each of these issues is different, they all complement each other and contribute to the overall success of the project. For example, the design of the roadways and sidewalks must first be planned before the appropriate landscaping decisions can be made. In addition to the previous items mentioned, the following important components for athletic field projects should also be considered: · Safety for players, spectators, and officials. A truly magnificent athletic field first and foremost should be safe and functional, as well as aesthetically pleasing and complement its surroundings. The Successful Approach Parrone Engineering has developed an effective and interactive approach that addresses the frequently asked questions that administrators encounter for athletic facilities. Following is a six-step process that helps administrators achieve a winning design for their athletic field. “The six-phased approach coaches all pieces of the project from inception through completion,” says Edward G. Parrone, President and CEO of Parrone Engineering, “without losing sight of the goal: a superb athletic field that has economic value and is completed on time.” The East Rochester Union Free School District, located in upstate New York, is one institution that used this game plan to their advantage when faced with the challenge of designing a new athletic field to accommodate its increased number of sports teams. 1. Selecting an Engineer. Prior to a school determining solutions for their athletic needs, they should seek assistance from a qualified, yet impartial professional who can help them through this challenging and complex process. Just as a team’s success depends on selecting the most talented or appropriate player for a particular role, a project’s success depends on selecting the most appropriate professional to lead the design team; you can think of this person as being your quarterback. A coach would not choose a forward when the team needs a guard or a quarterback when a defensive back is appropriate. All too often, users try to get a head start on a solution by searching out companies that can provide a variety of products for their athletic needs. However, the overall process should begin by completing a needs analysis in order to provide a proper design. “Working with a professional firm to outline our needs and goals was critical to guarantee the success of our athletic field design. We were able to receive expert guidance while still maintaining control of our project,” said Dr. Howard Maffucci, Superintendent of the East Rochester Union Free School District. 2. Identifying Stakeholders. The second phase consists of identifying and engaging stakeholders; for the School, this group included business administrators, athletic directors, coaches, athletes, and community members. It is imperative that this group be diverse enough to represent all different perspectives of the project, yet small enough to make decisions in a timely manner. A suggested group size of between ten to fifteen people effectively meets this goal. Bringing these individuals into the process as early as possible ensures that a clear communication and decision-making path is established for the duration of the project. After the stakeholders are identified, representatives are brought together through focus group meetings. 3. Establishing Goals and Objectives. Focus group meetings offer a forum for the stakeholders to establish common goals and objectives through the development of a project mission statement. During this step, the group establishes a project timeline and a tentative schedule that will be closely monitored by the design professional in order to make any necessary adjustments. Through regular meetings, the focus group outlined their “needs” versus their “wants” for the athletic field project by referring back to the project mission statement. Focus group meetings are also the appropriate forum to address issues and concerns about the project. Through honest and open discussion in a supportive and respectful environment, a collaborative solution can be reached. 4. Value Added Recommendations. The most critical task in the process is making value added recommendations, which are written descriptions of the program that include ideas about how to improve the project and/or reduce its costs. These recommendations should always align with the project mission statement. The ability to provide value added recommendations is derived from being
knowledgeable about technological advances, construction practices, testing,
needs of players, trainers/coaches, and facility operators, expectations,
and prior experiences with playing surfaces. 5. Design. The Design Phase takes the recommendation approved by the client and develops a solution that addresses needs, expectations, and budget in the form of final contract documents. In addition, a very tight performance specification is developed. The final design incorporates all of the recommendations and written programs developed by the focus group in order to properly complete the athletic field project. 6. Implementation. The Implementation, or Construction, Phase is necessary in order to ensure that the selected contractor possesses the experience and technical capability to complete the project. A significant component of this phase is typically the bidding process. The key to a competitive bid is to utilize a performance specification to ensure the desired results. Pre-qualification of system manufacturers and general contractors must be part of the bidding process; this affords a win-win situation for both parties involved. Athletic fields are a major component for the overall educational experience for students at all levels. It is important that administrators who are looking to upgrade or construct athletic facilities associate themselves with the proper professionals in order to obtain the most valuable design for their specific needs, time frame, and budget. By following the six (6)-phased approach, you will be rewarded with an all-star athletic field that is out of this league. Parrone Engineering is an East Rochester, New York-based firm that has been providing Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Traffic Engineering, Landscape Architecture, and Land Surveying services.
Editor's Note: Articles in the "Opinion Line" column represent the opinions of their authors and not necessarily those of the ASBA. Readers are invited to respond. Please send comments to ASBA, Attn.: "Opinion Line," 8480 Baltimore National Pike, #307, Ellicott City, MD 21043 or via e-mail to chogan@sportsbuilders.org.
Crack
Filling 101 Crack filling as I will refer to it is a process by which the courts can be returned to a more playable condition. The owner knows that this is not a permanent or even a long term solution. The following picture is an example of the extensive cracking and an indication of the size and depth. The challenge is to provide a cost effective method of addressing the problem. The first step was to remove the “raised” edges of the cracks. To accomplish this, a gas powered concrete grinded was used. The entire six courts were “ground” down in about five hours. Next came the “filling” of the thousands of cracks. On a small scale the cracks would be filled using a putty knife and a lot of Aleve. We did employ this method on any cracks that were wider and deeper than ½”. All of the remaining cracks were filled with a squeegee using an acrylic resurfacer patch mix formula. Since the object here was to fill the cracks I was not concerned with how the court surface looked. To help the patch mix spread easier the surface was “fogged” with a garden sprayer filled with water. The formula for the resurfacer patch mix is: This will make approximately 13 gallons. The formula can be cut in half, doubled, or any amount you require. The ratios are critical, measure do not guess! Pot life is about 30 minutes. The same formula can be used for patching bird baths up to ½” deep. In a dry 5 gallon pail, mix the cement and about one gallon of the sand. Using a heavy duty drill and an appropriate mixing paddle, mix the resurfacer and about ¾ of the measured water in an empty 30 gallon drum. With the drill running slowly, add all of the remaining sand. Once this is mixed, add the sand/cement from the 5 gallon pail. Note this will cause the material to get “thinner” due to the change in pH. Now, add the remaining water and mix until uniform. In hot weather, a little more water may be appropriate. No other adjustments to the formula should be made. Once all the cracks were filled, the surface was ground again (six hours)
to remove the excess material. The grinder has two heads with three stones on each. I used a “medium” grit stone for this project. The grinder is available for rent at most rental shops. I do not recommend the electric version of this machine, as it seems too weak to perform the task well. These methods are not appropriate for all circumstances and may not
be right for you. Effective July 15, 2008, the password for the Members Only Section of the ASBA website will be “slope.” To log in to the Members Only section, use the employ name “Member” and this password until the next Newsline.
Come December, It’s the Big Easy Re-organizing the filing system? Or will you be using that down-time to make new contacts, learn about the latest products on the market, catch up on new techniques and trends and maybe (just maybe) take in a round of golf or a tennis match with your colleagues? In New Orleans, no less. Oh, come on. You’re not really trying to decide, are you? Make plans now to spend December 7-9 in the Big Easy, getting ready for the upcoming season and making the most of the off-time. In other words, mark your calendar now for the ASBA Technical Meeting. This year’s meeting, to be held at the Astor Crowne Plaza, has all the tools you need to succeed for the coming year. The Program Committee has developed one of the most comprehensive, detailed meetings, sure to interest all facets of the industry. (See the adjacent tentative program for details). Programs will address the new technologies, trends and developments that everyone wants to know about. At the same time, there will be an emphasis on problem-solving and brainstorming on those issues that all industry members face. The ability to learn about the newest products and services in the industry has also been one of the Technical Meeting’s most valuable components, and it returns again with the trade show in the exhibit hall. The exhibit hall is used as the site for receptions and breaks, allowing for maximum contact with the people you need to meet the most. What else makes this meeting valuable? You get the chance to recognize the industry’s finest construction each year with the presentation of the ASBA awards for construction excellence. You can meet new members and those attending the Technical Meeting for the first time. You’ll catch up with suppliers, contractors, professionals and others whom you might know only through phone or e-mail conversations. You can even meet ASBA’s new association staff and put faces with those new names. Oh, and need we mention it? You can (pick one) showcase your athletic prowess, get some payback, or throw all caution to the wind and enjoy the good-natured heckling that comes from participating in ASBA’s golf and tennis tournaments. Oh, and let’s not forget the location. New Orleans manages to combine history, nightlife and some of the most unique ambience in the world. Our host hotel, the Astor Crowne Plaza, is located right at the corner of Bourbon and Canal streets – the epicenter of N’awlins, and is within walking distance of all the great cultural attractions, restaurants, bars, shops and more in the French Quarter. (In fact, this is the same hotel ASBA used during its last Technical Meeting in the Big Easy). Deluxe amenities include well-appointed guest rooms, a complete health and fitness center, a 24-hour lounge, great meeting rooms, concierge services and more. Special ASBA room rates will be just $169 per night. For now, just block off December 7-9 in your calendar: it’s the most important appointment you’ll make, and the one you’ll never regret keeping. Members will receive information about the 2008 Technical Meeting automatically. Others should keep checking the website, www.sportsbuilders.org, for more information, or call Cynthia at ASBA at 866-501-ASBA to be added to the mailing list.
COMMITEES Another Successful Meeting in Indy ASBA volunteers Sam Fisher, CTB (Fisher Tracks, Boone, IA), Kristoff Eldridge, CTB (Cape & Island Tennis & Track, Pocasset, MA) and Jon Renner, CTB (Line Design, Inc, Littleton, CO), along with ASBA Executive Vice President Carol Hogan, met with representatives of the track governing bodies, Leslie Danehy Ed.D. of NCAA, Becky Oakes of NFHS, and Peter J. “Duffy” Mahoney of USATF in April. All three organizations are headquartered in Indianapolis, IN. The meeting was held at the offices of the NCAA. ASBA first presented a proposal for track certification which has been developed with member input over the past several years. Currently, only the IAAF has specific procedures for measuring to ensure the accuracy of tracks; those procedures require extensive testing at a significant cost. Yet, in part because many coaches aspire one day to host a large meet or to coach an elite athlete (even if those beliefs are unreasonable), they or their architects often request a certified track. And, for whatever reason, the requirement that the track be certified is frequently included in bidding documents. NFHS, NCAA and ASBA regularly receive inquiries as to how to certify a track. None of them has an answer. ASBA has repeatedly asked the governing bodies what they would expect to be verified for a facility that applied to host a major meet or for a facility where a record might be set. They, in turn, ask ASBA what should be measured or verified. In practice, even when tracks are measured following a record-setting performance, generally only distances are verified even though slopes are specified in the rules and may have a significant impact on performance. ASBA believes that a procedure endorsed by NCAA and NFHS (USATF follows
IAAF) to verify that a track is built in conformity to its rules with
an appropriate degree of accuracy will: The governing bodies have previously expressed concern regarding the cost of certification. In that the recommended procedures can be followed by any competent individual, including a Certified Track Builder or surveyor, even at Class 5 by the contractor or striper, unlike the IAAF certifications at Class 1 and 2, the proposed certifications at Class 3, 4 and 5 should not add significantly to the cost. ASBA has adopted and will publish this document (on its website), including the detailed procedures for measuring and the certification forms for each class, which have not yet been completed. Dr. Danehy and Ms. Oakes will present these documents to their rules committees and members to determine whether this program will meet the needs and expectations of ADs. They will ask for the agreement of those committees that NCAA and NFHS at least make this information available through their websites and when callers contact them. It is ASBA’s hope that the governing bodies will come to endorse and recommend the three levels of certification as well as the certification procedures. The group then discussed again how ASBA might most effectively assist the NFHS and NCAA rules committees to understand the practical implications of the current rules and the proposals they consider, as well as the need, where such exists, for clarification or change. Dr. Danehy stated that the NCAA Rules Committee meets by conference call every month. She invited Mr. Fisher and the committee to develop a list of examples of issues from the current rules which need clarification or which cause problems in practice (see below). She agreed to include Mr. Fisher in a conference call to discuss those examples. Additionally, she will consider inviting him to the next Annual Meeting in San Diego. Hopefully, the committee will come to view ASBA as a resource to be consulted regarding rules proposals. She also noted that NCAA is changing its rules process so that rules for each sport will be revised and the rules books will be republished only every two years. This year’s track and field rules book will be for two years unless the committee asks for a delay in implementation. Ms. Oakes is willing to bring ASBA to the attention of the rules committee, but said that she believes ASBA’s best opportunity to become known and to become an important resource in high schools is through the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) which meets jointly with NFHS in December. This is the conference where, in 2007, Sam Fisher was a speaker on track design and construction and ASBA had a booth. Mr. Fisher asked that ASBA again be considered for a place on the program December 13-17, 2008 in San Diego and that ASBA again budget for a booth at this conference. Ms. Oakes suggested that representatives of NIAAA (either Executive Director Bruce Whitehead or his Associate Mike Blackburn) be invited to attend this meeting next year. Their office is in Indianapolis; Ms. Oakes is willing to contact them. · Next, ASBA representatives brought up a number of issues with safety implications. See the list of examples of NCAA’s rules with construction implications. All present recognized the reluctance of organizations to set “safety” standards, because of the possibility of creating increased liability either for the organization itself or for facility owners. (Dr. Danehy noted, however, that NCAA does have safety zones for other sports.) None of our organizations know nor are they capable of determining what is safe. Mr. Fisher and Mr. Mahoney noted, however, that they have served as expert witnesses. In their opinion, a savvy lawyer would find any existing safety recommendations such as IAAF’s 1m safety zone or NCAA’s 55° implement landing zone and would question why the governing body or owner in the case at issue believed that it was reasonable to build or compete with a lesser standard. Mr. Mahoney stated that he recommends that his clients always “well exceed” any existing standards. He encourages owners to look for benefits; for example, a six foot safety zone next to a running track can be filled with wood chips and used for walking or jogging. All present agreed that this meeting continues to be invaluable and should be held annually. Ms. Hogan noted that ASBA would like to make contact with the staff with rules responsibility for other sports including field (football, soccer, lacrosse, rugby) and indoor (basketball, volleyball, badminton) sports so that we can establish a similar relationship with those groups. Examples of NCAA Rules with Construction Implications The maximum lateral inclination for the track across the full width of the track, preferably toward the inside lane, and across all runways shall not exceed 1:100, one percent (1%). ASBA suggests that: The maximum downward inclination permitted in the running direction
for the track and all runways and in the throwing direction for all landing
sections, measured over the full length of each, shall not exceed 1:1000,
one-tenth of one percent (0.1%). In the high jump, the maximum inclination of the approach and takeoff
area shall not exceed 1:250, four-tenths of one percent (.4 %), in the
running direction toward the crossbar. The surface of a throwing circle shall be level. ASBA asks that this rule be clarified. Design of the triple jump. The optimum runway is 200’ long with a 26’ landing pit at each end and provides maximum flexibility. However, this runway will not fit in the D area, where many runways are constructed. ASBA agrees with USATF’s Duffy Mahoney that the construction of a longer pit with the takeoff board placed closer to the pit is highly recommended. This design is appropriate for athletes at all ages and skill levels. A 26’ landing pit allows the use of fewer takeoff boards – one at 8’ and one at 12’ for the long jump and painted lines at 26’, 34’ and 40’ for the triple jump. Chutes ASBA recommends that the measurement of slopes and inclinations in the area where the chute meets the track be made at the line between the two center lanes of the track. Tolerances As previously stated, ASBA is concerned that in the absence of tolerances, it can be assumed that perfection is required, which simply is not practical. ASBA asks that throughout the rules, NCAA specify tolerances which can be achieved by a well-qualified contractor using good materials and equipment on a regular basis. Such tolerances will help to ensure that owners get quality construction at a reasonable cost and will protect contractors from unreasonable expectations of designers and/or owners. Color Coding ASBA suggests that NCAA alter some of its suggested color markings because more and more tracks are red and red markings do not show up well on red tracks. Also, red paint breaks down from UV exposure more quickly than other colors: Change the markings for the 4 x 200 from red to white (including start
lines and exchange zones); Track Certification ASBA recommends approval and endorsement of a standard track certification procedure. Safety Zone IAAF has stated that there should be a 1m safety zone both inside and outside of the running track. NCAA rules do not address a safety zone. In many cases in practice, tracks are designed and constructed such that fences, bleachers, light poles and other obstructions are much closer than 1m from the edge of a running lane, runway or landing pit. ASBA believes that these obstructions constitute a hazard to competitors. ASBA recommends that at a minimum a 4’ fence be placed around
the outside perimeter of the track at least 1m from the outside edge
of the running surface. ASBA hopes that NCAA will establish a minimum
1m (6’ preferred) safety zone at the inside and outside of the
running track. Appropriate safety zones for other events also are desirable. While the pole vault landing pit has been addressed repeatedly, problems remain. For example, in an effort to keep the pads clean, schools will request a concrete pavement where the pads are placed. If the pads do not completely cover the concrete pavement or if they slip, it is possible for a jumper to rebound off the pad onto concrete. Also, given the flexibility and energy restitution of modern poles, a jumper may rebound sideways or in any direction. Additional safety padding should be considered. Sand pits, pole vaults, etc. often are built quite close to the running track. A running track surface is not a safety surface. Make the Most of ASBA’s Website Choosing Your Inquiries More and more potential customers are finding and contacting ASBA through its website. Often, when they do, they are filling out an information request form, or inquiry. ASBA makes these inquiries available to members. You can tell us what kind of leads you want and they will be delivered direct to you via e-mail. Log in to the Members Only section of the website with the general member log in. (See elsewhere in this newsletter. Click on “Update Member Listing.” Log in with your unique user name and password. If you have forgotten your unique login, click “Forgot Password” and it will be sent to you. Once you log in, you can reset or change your password. At the bottom of your listing, add the e-mail to which leads should be sent, as well as the types of leads and the states for which you want them. Leads meeting the criteria you set will be e-mailed to you. Fine Tune Your Profile for Better Website Search Customers use the searchable database to find products and providers. . .but only if your record helps them find you. Help potential customers find you by updating your website profile. Owners and end-users can search by company name or by category. But most often they search by keyword. A list of suggested keywords is provided for their consideration; however, in a world dominated by Google, most users are used to free form entry searching. If the words or word-string they enter does not appear in your listing, they won’t find you. So give some thought to exactly what your listing says. If you want customers looking for “acrylic coatings,” “tennis surfaces” and “hard courts” to find you, all of those words must be included. You can edit your listing online, using the instructions listed above. Your profile is found in the company information field. Scroll down past your company name and address to access it. Website Enhancements ASBA’s Website Committee, chaired by John Graham (DecoTurf, Andover, MA) and including Mike Burke (NGI Sports, Chattanooga, TN), Aimee Desrosiers (Plexipave System, Div. of California Products, Andover, MA), Sam Fisher, CTB, (Fisher Tracks, Inc., Boone, IA), Alex Levitsky (Global Sports & Tennis Design Group, LLC, Fair Haven, NJ), David Little (Sparton Enterprises, Inc., Barberton, OH), Matt Strom, CTCB, (Leslie Coatings, Inc., Indianapolis, IN) and John Welborn (Lee Tennis Products, Charlottesville, VA) has recently brought about improvements to the website designed to make it more useful and more user-friendly. To date, the following enhancements have been made: · Combined searches for the site and member
databases into a single global search so that if someone searches on
a company name, every
reference will come up, whether it appears in the member database or
in an article.
MEMBER NEWS
FieldTurf Tarkett Acquires Beynon Sports Surfaces and Beynon Enterprises In April, FieldTurf Tarkett (Montreal, Quebec) announced the acquisition of Beynon Sports Surfaces (Hunt Valley, MD) and Beynon Enterprises. Beynon Sports Surfaces was selected to build the track for the 2008 Olympics and for the field trials at the University of Oregon, Hayward Field. In addition, Beynon has completed well over 450 outdoor running tracks and thousands of gymnasium and field house systems. Beynon Enterprises is a manufacturer and supplier of high-performance polyurethane products for the synthetic sports surfacing market. Coupled with the previous purchase of Defargo, FieldTurf Tarkett is now the largest running track company in North America. FieldTurf Tarkett is the largest entity in the sports surfacing industry. In addition to its FieldTurf and Prestige brands of artificial turf, it provides synthetic and hardwood basketball, volleyball and gymnasium flooring, squash and racquetball courts, floor protection and covering systems, and weight room flooring. Also in the range of FieldTurf Tarkett products are indoor and outdoor running tracks including the high performance Le Monde track system, the Resisport track system, the Beynon track surfaces, playground surfacing, commercial and residential landscaping, and a complete range of tennis and golf surfaces. For more information, visit www.fieldturftarkett.com. Bothman Welcomes New Director of Projects to the Team Robert A. Bothman, Inc of San Jose, CA has announced the appointment of Keith Ulinger to the position of Director of Projects. Ulinger brings 20 years of construction industry experience to RAB. Working previously for Hunt Construction, he was responsible for all aspects of project management and client relations on many projects in excess of $100,000,000. A Phoenix, AZ native, Mr. Ulinger was instrumental on several professional sport franchise projects including the Bank One Ballpark for the Arizona Diamondbacks and the America West Arena for the Phoenix Suns. While, in the Bay Area he was Project Manager for the Pacific Bell Park for the San Francisco Giants among several other large scale commercial and healthcare projects. Ulinger is married with four children and enjoys boating, wake boarding, skiing and travel. For more information please contact marketing@bothman.com . Livermore Valley Tennis Club Chooses Nova’ProXtreme Everyone in the San Francisco Bay Area remembers
the Loma Prieto Earthquake of 1989, but for the residents of Livermore,
CA, -- located 45-miles
east of San Francisco -- 1989 was also the year that an unusual winter
freeze seriously damaged the community’s 11 asphalt tennis courts.
After patching the courts for the next decade, Kim Fuller of the Livermore
Valley Tennis Club (LVTC) finally decided to redo the asphalt courts
in 2003. Just four years later, in January 2007, another abnormal winter
freeze created massive cracks on 10 of the 11 courts at LVTC. 2008 ITA Men’s Team Indoor Championships Played on Nova The 2008 ITA National Men’s Team Indoor Championships featuring the nation’s top 16 NCAA tennis programs was played in February on Novacrylic (Nova Sports, USA, Milford, MA) Sport Surfaces. The event, which showcased 11 of the ITA’s top 20 ranked players, took place at The University of Washington’s Nordstrom Tennis Center (surfaced w/ Canadian Violet and Grass Green) and the historic Seattle Tennis Club (surfaced with Novagreen and Grass Green). The top seeded Virginia Cavaliers captured their first indoor title defeating the 3rd ranked Ohio State Buckeyes.
At 68,000 square feet, Lake Cunningham is the largest purpose built skate park in California. It features the longest full pipe, the tallest Vert Wall in the world and the largest cradle in the nation. In addition the park has 11 bowls and a street course. The Park has developed a cult following on YouTube with many underground videos springing up. The park was designed by Zach Wormhoudt to bring the best of the Urban Landscape to a safe and controlled area were skaters can enjoy the railings, curbs, steps, tunnels, etc. of the city without endangering themselves or the general public. Terry Todd, Senior Project Manager for Robert A. Bothman, Inc. said of skate park construction, "You really have to control quality out there as the skaters can find every imperfection." Bothman delivered the Park to the City under budget and three months ahead of schedule. The Park enjoyed its grand opening on April 26th 2008 to rave reviews
including skating legend DecoTurf for NCAA Division I Tennis Championships For the second time in the last five years, the Michael D. Case Tennis Center at the University of Tulsa has been chosen to host the NCAA Division I tennis championships. The Center’s 12 outdoor and 6 indoor courts are all surfaced with DecoTurf and DecoColor tennis surfaces. "DecoTurf is excited to be a part of the competitive energy and
spirit that is the NCAA Men’s Division I Championship,” says
John Graham, Managing Director of Decatur For more information on DecoTurf visit www.decoturf.com or call 800-332-6178. New Registered Trademark for Synthetic Surfaces, Inc. Synthetic Surfaces, Inc. (Scotch Plains, NJ) has received a new registered trademark for the phrase, “The Guru of Glue®.” The trademark will be used by Norris Legue, president of Synthetic Surfaces, a chemist and expert on adhesives for synthetic turf, flooring, sport and recreational surfaces. FieldTurf Sets Record for Turf Production A manufacturing plant in Dalton, GA, owned by FieldTurf Tarkett (Montreal, Quebec) recently claimed a world record for the most synthetic turf produced in one week by fabricating 1.6 million square feet of turf, the equivalent of three full-sized fields per day over seven days. The 110,000 square foot manufacturing facility, which employs more than 35 and features almost a dozen tufting machines, is expected to hit the 2 million square feet per week mark this summer. FieldTurf claims that at full capacity, the plant is able to supply approximately 2,500 fields per year, triple the annual North American demand for artificial turf fields. For more information, contact Darren Gill, 800-724-2969. Wilson Joins Beals Before joining beals alliance, Wilson was an Associate Landscape Architect with The HLA Group, where he started as an intern prior to completing his degree. An area native, Keith was born and raised in Sacramento and currently resides in Folsom. At beals alliance, he is responsible for leading production and building client relationships for the firm’s landscape architecture studio. He is also responsible for developing the studio’s job captains, designers and drafters. Keith is actively involved in the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) as a Chair Designate of the Chapter President’s Council and Past President of the Sierra Chapter. He is also an active member of the California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS). Keith Wilson can be reached at 916.366.8350 or via e-mail keith@bealsalliance.com
The following companies have joined the ASBA or renewed their membership since the last newsletter. Please add their names to the appropriate section of your membership directory.
FYI USTA’s Facility Awards Application Available Online USTA’s 2008 Facility Awards application is available on line. USTA accepts applications year round. The first deadline for review was June 17, 2008. The address is: http://www.usta.com/communitytennis/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=155336&icategoryid=437
According to a study by Leadership IQ, www.leadershipiq.com, 87% of employees say that working with a low performer has made them want to change jobs. 93% of employees say that working with a low performer decreases their productivity. Who are low performers? Those who have negative attitudes, those that stir up trouble, blame others or lack initiative, and those who are simply incompetent. Unfortunately, most companies are not very good at solving the problem of low performers. Only 14% of senior executives say their company effectively manages low performers and only 17% of middle managers say they feel comfortable improving or removing them. “Low performers are like emotional vampires,” says Mark Murphy, CEO of Leadership IQ, “sucking the energy out of everyone around them. While it may strike some leaders as paradoxical, leaders may have to remove their worst employees in order to keep their best employees.”
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Crack
Filling 101
Mark
your calendar for the ASBA Technical Meeting. 
