2014 site analysis - grafton school district...2014 site analysis for grafton school district...

5709 Windy Drive, Suite D | Stevens Point, WI 54482 | 715.344.9999 (phone) | 715.344.9922 (fax)

PO Box 22547 | Green Bay, WI 54305 |

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2014 SITE ANALYSIS

For

GRAFTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

GRAFTON HIGH SCHOOL AND JOHN LONG MIDDLE SCHOOL

January 27, 2015

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I. Introduction

The evaluation and analysis of the existing sports fields and adjoining land at Grafton High School

and John Long Middle School started with the visual inspection of all the defined areas to evaluate

the existing conditions. All areas were walked to define problem locations and concerns, followed by

a meeting with school officials that took place after the initial walkthrough of the site. Locations with

grade issues, poor field conditions, erosion, safety concerns, standing water, poor drainage,

condition of playing surfaces, and condition of grass were noted and mapped. After these locations

of interest were outlined with annotated pictures and descriptions, we were able to determine our

recommendations and review opportunities for site improvements.

After all of the information was compiled and analyzed, solutions for each location were provided.

We have also provided some solutions that are temporary “band aid” solutions, but the overall

objective would be to use these as a last resort and only use these as a short term solution. Most of

the fields have severe concerns with safety and playability and the overall consensus is that they will

all need to be reconstructed in the near future.

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II. Site Evaluation

A. Grafton High School

Area 1 – Varsity Game Day Soccer Field (S1)

Existing Fence: The fence is in poor condition due to

weathering and age of the material. Fence is roughly 6

feet from sidelines and goal lines and does not provide

sufficient space of 10-15 feet (roughly three strides) for

players.

Existing Field: A mixture of grasses is present on the

field. The species present include Kentucky blue grass

(poa pratensis), perennial ryegrass (lolium perenne), and

annual blue grass (poa annua).

Drainage on Field: Southeast corner of field is shaded

by trees, preventing sunlight from reaching the field.

Lack of sunlight could affect grass growth and cause

future drainage concerns.

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Aeration of Field: Good aeration of soil. The aeration

pattern and depth are appropriate for this location.

Aeration holes are consistent throughout the site.

Press Box: Press box seems to be new and is in good

condition. Bleachers also appear to be in good condition,

however, the fence in front of the bleachers is crooked

and appears to be failing.

Existing Grading of Field: The existing field is uneven,

with high spots and low spots visible, and no uniform

directional slope. Inward slope prevents the field from

effectively draining water away from the field.

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Player Runways: The space between the corner of the

field and the fence is not sufficient. Suggested standards

for running room is 10-15 feet between the sideline and

the fence.

Goal Boxes: Goal boxes have severe erosion, with very

little to no grass remaining in a large area within the 6

yard box. Conditions become muddy when wet, and

compacted soils prevent water from draining properly

from the area.

Corners: The two corners on the north end of the field

have excessive slopes and lack of space between the

field and the fence. In our opinion, this may be a safety

concern for players and a concern for corner kicks taken

on the sloped corners of the field.

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Scoreboard and Team Areas: Scoreboard appears to

be old, however, age and condition of scoreboard is not

known and should be discussed. Location of the fence,

roughly 6 feet from sideline, does not provide enough

room for players.

Lighting: The lights appear to be in good condition.

Check foot candles to see if they properly light the field.

Retaining Wall: Asphalt walk and retaining wall appear

to be in good condition. Gravel underneath bleachers is

a maintenance concern regarding upkeep and weed

growth.

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Area 2 – Practice Soccer Field (S2)

Adjacent Stormwater Device: In our opinion, the area

located south of the practice soccer field is a safety

concern due to its proximity to the sideling of the field.

This stormwater drainage area is not aesthetically

pleasing and has a potential for flooding and standing

water around the adjacent fields.

Stormwater Drainage: Stormwater pipe is visible near

ground surface and poses a tripping hazard with

continued erosion and sporadic rocks.

Field Crown: No crown to practice field with visible high

and low spots where water can pool. Field appears to

have possible drainage issues because of the grade of

the field, with concerns of playability arising during

periods of wet conditions such as late fall and early

spring.

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Slope of Field: Field has no uniform slope, causing a

concern for drainage and playability. Visible grade

issues where field slopes into the center, instead of

toward the outside of the playing surface.

Drainage Ditch: Drainage ditch on the north end of the

property is very close to the sideline of the soccer field,

roughly 3 feet, with a steep slope. This poses a safety

concern for players due to the short distance of running

room between the edge of the field and the steep

embankment.

Stormwater Pipe: The pipe that daylights into the ditch

on the north end of the site, runs underneath the practice

field and connects to the outfall area near the south end

of the field.

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Low-Lying Area: This depression poses a concern for

standing water and may be a safety issue for players due

to its close proximity to the practice soccer field. This

depression is roughly 8 feet from the goal line of the

soccer field.

Swale: It appears that the swale running along the west

side of the practice field is holding stormwater back and

preventing it from reaching the ditch on the north end.

Whether this was done by design or by mistake, the area

poses a risk for standing water and is a potential concern

for maintenance issues such as mowing.

Erosion: Stormwater runoff is starting to cause areas to

erode on the west end of the field. This appears to be

leasing to standing water issues.

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Area 3 – Varsity Game Day Football Stadium (F1)

Pedestrian Walking Path: Path around the stadium

appears to be installed within the last several years and

is in good condition. This path appears to be ADA

accessible.

Visitor Side Bleachers: Bleachers appear to be installed

within the last year and are in good condition, with ADA

accesibility on the north end of the bleachers, and good

fall-through protection.

Visitor Side Bleachers: Gravel underneath bleachers

could be a potential maintenance concern with weeds. In

addition, the gravel may be a possible safety concern for

loose rocks entering the asphalt area, which is a

pedestrian path.

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Home Side Bleachers: Bleachers appear to be installed

recently and are in great condition.

Scoreboard: Scoreboard appears to be functional and

adequate for its intended use and appears to be in good

condition. Age and quality of the scoreboard should be

discussed.

Football Team Areas: Areas on both side of field where

the teams stand are worn down, which is typical for this

time of year.

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Press box: Press box appears to be new and in great

condition. Date of installation and estimated longevity

should be discussed.

Stadium Lighting: Stadium lighting appears to be in

good condition. Check foot candles to see if they properly

light the field. Age and condition of lights should be

dsicussed.

Protruding Object: Located on the south end of the

field, and assumed to be for irrigation, this object poses a

tripping hazard.

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Concession Building and Donor Wall: Concessions

building appears to be in good condition. Date of

installation should be discussed.

Area 4 – Practice Football Field (F2)

Swale: Swale located just east of the practice field drains

directly into an area where the drainage from the game

day soccer field runs. It appears that the current swale

does not adequately address stormwater runoff. Green

space to the East of the swale is unused and could

provide extra field space for players.

Condition of Field: Practice field is very small, with

grade issues on both sides. Field appears flat and worn

down middle of the field.

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Existing Grass: Field is very worn, especially down the

middle of the field, with very little grass on the field at the

end of the season.

Stormwater and Drainage: Standing water visible on

west side of practice field, near pedestrian path and

visitor stadium bleachers.

Low-lying Depression: Low area is close to practice

football field and has a potential for standing water. In our

opinion, this depression or swale does not properly

handle stormwater, nor does it convey the runoff to a

safer area away from the field and pedestrian path.

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Field Grading: Variations in grading of field, with high

spots and low spots visible.

Grading Issues: It appears the water cannot drain

effectively on the south side of the site. There is also a

lack of connecting stormwater management systems to

collect the water on the south end and convey it into the

ditch on the north end of the site.

Stormwater Runoff: Surface runoff from the parking lot

drains directly onto the practice football field.

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Steep slope: The grade change from the parking lot to

the practice field appears to be steep and uneven.

Rip-Rap: In our opinion, stormwater exiting the parking

lot is not effectively addressed and needs to be revised to

collect debris more efficiently and suspend sediment from

the runoff, while diverting water from running onto the

playing field.

Swale: Marked corner of the football field appears to be

within 4 feet of the swale area on the east side of the

practice field. The slope appears to be inconsistent;

preventing proper drainage and shedding water back

onto the field, instead of draining it away from the playing

area.

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Grade Issues with Swale: It appears that there are two

distinct swales. In our opinion, neither of them appear to

work properly in dealing with the stormwater runoff.

Catch Basins: Lack of catch basins (2 total) throughout

the site to help with stormwater collection.

Area 5 – Track, Field Events (T1)

Track Surface: Surface appears to be wearing out and

the swale on the inside of the track appears to be

preventing proper drainage.

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Inside Track Lanes: Inside track lanes 1 and 2 appear

to be in the worst condition and appear very worn down.

Track Surface: Additional photo showing the existing

condition of the track surface, which appears to be in

poor condition from age, weathering, and use.

Triple Jump/ Long Jump: IN our opinion, the triple jump

and long jump pits are too close to football sidelines and

do not provide the desired 10-15 feet of space in

between.

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High Jump: In our opinion, the high jump area is very

small and not adequate for this event because there is

not enough room for runners on the existing hard surface

area. Some runners may have to start from the grass if

they need extra running room. Surfacing is wearing

down.

Outside Track Lanes: Surfacing is wearing down and

does not extend to edge of fence. In our opinion, the lack

of surfacing is a concern for the safety of the runners

using the outside lane.

Pole Vault: Pole vault located at the south end of the

football field. The runway and pad are roughly 3 feet

from the end zone of the football field. In our opinion, this

poses a safety concern because there should be a 10-15

foot clearance space around the field, where possible.

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Drainage: Slot drain near plaza area on the west side of

the track provides proper drainage for the plaza area.

However, water from the football field appears to drain

across the track, which may shorten the life expectancy

of the track surface.

Track Gate: Track fence gate does not open and close

properly and is destroying the track surface.

Shot Put: Shot put rings seem to be in great condition

with no standing water visible. Throwing areas appear to

be in great condition. Installation date should be

discussed.

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Storm Sewer: Catch basin located on south end of field

is several inches below grade and poses a tripping

hazard and maintenance concern.

Discus: Discus pad has standing water issues. Pad is

slanted towards the south, preventing water from

properly draining through the slits on the east and west

side of the pad.

Area 6 – JV Baseball Field & Green Space (B2)

Green Space: It appears that the outfield has very

uneven terrain, with varying slopes throughout the site.

Grass is thin and patchy, with high and low spots visible.

In our opinion, the green space is not being used to its

full potential and provides plenty of room for additional

fields and/or field events.

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Terrain: In our opinion, the terrain is very uneven and

potentially unsafe for play in current condition due to the

severe grade differences.

Grading of Green Space: The open space has severe

grade issues. Due to the grade issues, we believe that

the current conditions are potentially unsafe and may

increase risk of injury.

Stormwater: The green space appears to have

numerous high spots and low spots with no continuous

grade. In our opinion, there is nowhere for runoff to drain

from the site, which could lead to muddy conditions and

standing water.

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Stormwater: In our opinion, the area to the northwest of

the football stadium should be re-graded and has

potential for a stormwater detention pond.

Green Space/ Soccer Play Area: The apparent grade

issues makes the area potentially unsafe and may

increase risk of injury. Soccer goal appears to be in poor

condition.

Grass: Existing grass appears to be in poor condition

and may increase chance of injury due to hard and brittle

ground surface.

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Ditch: Steep embankment on west end of property, next

to Grafton Avenue (road).

Green Space: Green space to the west of the JV

Baseball Field appears to be unused and should be

utilized, if possible. Terrain is flat and suitable for a sports

field or physical education use.

JV Baseball Infield: In our opinion, the field is in poor

condition due to an uneven playing surface and grading

issues that are visible throughout field. The lip on the

edge of the infield is too high and poses a threat for

ground balls popping up and injuring a player.

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Infield: Lip on the edge of the grass of the infield appears

to be very high and, in our opinion, is a tripping hazard

that may increase risk of injury.

Standing Water: Standing water is visible on the infield

and is due to low spots and grading issues.

Grade Issues: Grading issues are visible in various

locations of the field, preventing water from properly

draining off of the site. This is a concern because it

decreases the amount of time the field can safely and

effectively be used after storm events or extended

periods of wet conditions.

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Outfield Edge: There is a visible grade change over a

very short distance, along with a raised lip on the edge of

the infield. In our opinion, the playing surface is

potentially unsafe and may increase risk of injury in

current conditions.

B. John Long Middle School

Area 7 – Little League Fields & Green Space (L1)

Little League Field 1: In our opinion, the field is in poor

condition. With grading issues and uneven slopes on the

infield, and high and low spots in the outfield, the field is

potentially unsafe and may increase risk of injury.

Fence: Fence appears to be in poor condition due to age

and weathering of materials. The date of installation and

current maintenance of the little league field fences

should be discussed.

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Green Space: There is a very large green space

between the two little league fields that could be used for

future fields or activities. Grass is thin in areas with grade

variations and patches of dirt.

Recreation Soccer Field: Field appears to be small and

uneven, with patchy grass.

Little League Field 2: Field appears to be in poor

condition because of uneven slope and grade issues.

Field is potentially unsafe in current conditions. Location

of field is ideal for relocation of high school fields. Options

to consider include JV baseball field and softball fields.

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Little League Field 2: Infield appears to be uneven and

potentially unsafe for play. Grade issues and poor

condition of site components (fence, bleachers, and

dugouts) may increase risk of injury.

Area 8 – Varsity Game Day Baseball Field (B1)

Batting Cages: Batting cages appear to be in poor

condition due to apparent age, weathering, and materials

used. Existing structures are not aesthetically pleasing.

Age and condition of the batting cages should be

discussed.

Concessions Area: Concessions building seems to be in

decent shape, but could use some touch-ups. All hard

surfaces around the concessions area are uneven and

show sever cracking.

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Bleachers: Bleachers appear to be old and weathered

and do not meet ADA accessibility codes. In our opinion,

they are unsafe for spectators by not providing proper fall

protection.

Fence: It appears that sections of the fence are crooked

and falling apart around the entire perimeter fencing.

Grading on Field: Grading issues are present over

entire field. Various tripping hazards including areas

where grass and clay surfaces meet. Field is potentially

unsafe and may increase risk of injury.

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Dugouts: Existing dugouts show signs of cracking and

shifting, with declining conditions of the dugout walls.

Infield: In our opinion, the field has uneven ground and

no uniform slope making it potentially unsafe. Current

conditions may increase risk of injury.

Pitching Mound: Pitching mound appears to be roughly

two and a half feet higher than the middle of the outfield,

with steep grade changes near infield. Uneven ground,

high spots, and low spots visible.

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Area 9 – Varsity Game Day Softball Field (SB1)

Fence: The fence appears to be falling apart. The

outfield fence is uneven and crooked.

Dugouts: Cracking and shifting visible in dugout walls.

Grass: Existing grass is thin and patchy throughout field..

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Infield/ Outfield Edge: The field appears to have grade

issues. In our opinion, the small depression located at the

beginning of the outfield is a tripping hazard. These

conditions are potentially unsafe and may increase risk of

injury.

Area 10 – Softball Field (SB2)

Outfield: Outfield appears to have grading issues. High

spots and low spots make the field uneven and

potentially unsafe. Fence in the outfield is uneven.

Mixture of grasses througout the field.

Field Grade: Drop-off from infield to outfield grass is a

safety concern for players. The sudden incline over a

short distance may increase risk of injury.

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Fencing: Fencing around the dugouts appears to be

crooked and pushed up by the frost.

Backstop/Bleachers: Fence appears to be in poor

condition due to age and weathering. Bleachers have

potential safety concerns with lack of fall-through

protection.

Materials Area: Compost, infill, and other materials are

not aesthetically pleasing and may smell bad during

warmer times of the year.

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Storage Building: Structural integrity of the building

appears to be in good condition. Age and condition of the

structure should be discussed.

Concessions/Bathroom: Appears to be structurally

sound. Further discussion of the building is needed.

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III. SITE RECOMMENDATIONS* (with anticipated construction costs**) * Based on existing knowledge of the site and comparison with similar facilities, we have outlined our recommendations below. Based on our experience and work with these types of projects, we understand that budgeting and current use of the facilites are both important aspects. The recommendations below are for all of the fields that we analyzed, with no particular order of importance. We have outlined the cost estimates as a lump sum to replace and upgrade your current fields. Once you have read the report, we can further discuss the next steps of improving your athletic facilities. ** cost estimates based on 2014 construction pricing

C. Grafton High School

Area 1 – Varsity Game Day Soccer Field (S1) – $109,000-$127,000

Fence

o Fence needs to be replaced around entire field.

o Expand the fence, if possible to allow more running room – especially in the corners of the

field.

o Land on the north side of the field is unused and provides additional space to extend the

fence and field.

Grading

o Re-grade entire field.

o Look at extending field to the north by filling in areas that slope away too quickly from the

corners of the field.

Stormwater Management System

o Some trees may need to be removed on south end of field to allow sunlight to reach areas

on the field for grass growth and improved drainage.

o Install underdrain.

o Improve stormwater drainage and stormwater management systems to drain water away

from the field and safely store the water on site.

Grass

o Install underground irrigation.

o Re-seed entire field.

o Temporary solution would be to fill in the goalie boxes and low spots and re-sod until entire

field can be redone. Temporary solution is only recommended for a maximum of two years.

Goal Boxes

o Top dress or re-sod torn up areas.

Scoreboard

o Replace scoreboard.

Bleachers

o Pave over gravel pad underneath bleachers.

Lighting

o Check lights to see if foot candle is 52. If not, look at replacing lighting for field.

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Area 2 – Practice Soccer Field (S2) - $86,000-$98,000

Grading

o Re-grade entire field and crown field so it slopes outward instead of inward like it currently

does.

o Install a culvert on the north end of the field and cover with soil to expand the playable

surface of the field.


o Redesign stormwater drainage area that is located just south of the field.


o Reconstruct swale to the west of the practice soccer field. Put in a culvert. Fill and re-grade

areas to increase running room for players on the goal line of the practice soccer field.

Grass



o Temporary solution would be to fill in the goalie boxes and low spots and re-sod until entire

field can be redone. Temporary solution is only recommended for a maximum of two years.

Goal Boxes

o Top dress or re-sod torn up areas.

High/Low Spots

o Re-grade field and crown field so that water does not pool in low spots on field.

o Temporary solution would be to fill low spots, but this “band-aid” solution is not a permanent

fix.

Area 3 – Varsity Game Day Football Stadium (F1) - $150,000-$165,000

Grading

o Re-grade entire field.


o Install underground irrigation and underdrain on field.

o Look at inserting a drain on the inside of the track to help with drainage.

o Test soils on site.

Grass

o Till topsoil layer.



High/Low Spots

o Re-grade field and crown field so that water does not pool in low spots on field.

o Temporary solution would be to fill low spots, but this “band-aid” solution is not a permanent

fix.

o Fill in around catch basin low spot and unidentified orange marker to make even with grade.

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Area 4 – Practice Football Field (F2) - $76,000-$91,500

Grading

o Reconstruct entire field and crown to direct runoff away from the field.

o Look at re-grading area around swale to the east of the site.

o Re-grade slope by parking lot on south end of practice field to make sure water from the

parking lot does not drain onto the field.


o Redesign stormwater drainage area that is located just east of the field.


o Reconstruct swale to the east of the practice football field.

o Insert a culvert to increase playable surface area by extending green space to the east of the

swale, which is currently an area that is too small to be functional for efficient use.

o Redesign stormwater device(s) used near curb cuts of parking lot.

Grass



Area 5 – Track, Field Events (T1) - $122,000-$138,500

Track Surface

o Replace/resurface track within the next two or three years.

o Extend track surface to edge of outside 4’ high fence.


o Redesign swale on inside of track to effectively handle stormwater.

o Redesign drainage for track and football field to efficiently handle and store stormwater

runoff from stadium area.

Field Events

o Insert full “D” ring asphalt surface for high jump area.

o Remove triple jump/long jump pits and pole vault pits outside of stadium to increase running

room for football players.

o Utilize green space to the west of the stadium as a possible alternative for relocation of field

events.

o Discus pad that has standing water needs a slit or hole drilled in the back to allow the water

to drain from the pad.

Fence

o Fence gate that is destroying track surface needs to be adjusted and replaced to avoid

further and future damage to the surfacing on the track.

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Area 6 – JV Baseball Field & Green Space (B2) - $286,000-$304,000

Grading

o Reconstruct entire area to create a uniform slope that directs runoff and makes it playable

and safe for use.

o Re-grade entire outfield.

o Balance severe grade variations with cut and fill from site. Bring in additional fill, if needed.


o Implement swales or underground pipes to direct water away from the areas used for

activities.


o Design a stormwater pond on the north end of the site, slightly northwest of the stadium, to

safely and effectively manage stormwater runoff.

Grass

o Re-seed entire area.


Fence

o Replace entire fence.

o Install perimeter fencing around entire green space area for safety and regulation of future

fields.

Bleachers

o Replace all bleachers and improve ADA access to bleachers.

Green Space

o Maximize use of green space area for future baseball fields, softball fields, and/or field

events.

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D. John Long Middle School

Area 7 – Little League Fields & Green Space (L1) - $172,000-$186,000

Field 1

o Reconstruct entire field – infield, outfield, and fence.

Field 2

o Reconstruct entire field – infield, outfield, fence, bleachers, and dugout.



Green Space

o Till up entire area and re-grade it.

Grass



Area 8 – Varsity Game Day Baseball Field (B1) - $270,000-$283,000

Grading

o Re-grade entire infield and outfield.



Grass



Structures

o Replace existing batting cages.

o Replace existing hard surfaces around concession building and bleachers.

o Replace bleachers.

o Backstop fence and entire perimeter fencing needs to be replaced.

o Replace dug outs.

Area 9 – Varsity Game Day Softball Field (SB1) - $190,000-$205,000

Grading

o Re-grade entire infield and outfield.



Grass



Structures

39 | P a g e



o Replace dug outs.

Area 10 – Softball Field (SB2) - $190,000-$205,000

Grading

o Recommendation to re-grade entire infield and outfield.



Grass



Structures



o Replace dugouts.

Additional Recommendations

o Remove and relocate materials storage/compost area to improve aesthetics and overall

safety.

o Clean up area around storage building.

o Concessions/restroom area could use some touch up work to improve overall appearance.

2014 site analysis - grafton school district...2014 site analysis for grafton school district...

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