Ground Work some of the questions we have been asked

Some Questions Answered Part 1

We have been asked some questions concerning the work being done around the ground during the past few months- Please see below for some of the answers and we will attempt to answer some more during the next week  –

Why do we water the pitch on match days?

 The Abbey Stadium pitch is a fibre sand construction and therefore there are several reasons for watering the pitch – the first is to ensure the moisture levels are kept up to the fibre sand manufacturers required levels. This helps provide the grass to root within the fibres.

 The moisture levels can fall due to several reasons temperature, wind and when the pitch is being played on. The surface takes up to 72 hours of moisture preparation before each fixture played on the pitch

The second reason is that coaches will want the pitch to play in a certain way. Some will want the ball to move quickly across the surface and others not.

This will also determine the length of that the grass is cut at. There is a minimum height suggested and different sports will require different lengths for example Rugby and football have longer grass than hockey .

How much is all the paint costing?
                           
The white paint around the ground was purchased via the sponsorship provided through a national company last season which enabled us buy some paint, paint brushes, rollers and other DIY materials used to do the external painting and the main stand hall way

The amber paint was purchased by the CUFCLottery run by CFU and through the kind donations of individuals and a local building supplier.

The only paint that the club has purchased is specialist paint ie Hammerite required for the bridges by the Habbin Stand and the safety barriers around the ground.

Additional paint brushes, rollers and paint have been supplied by the volunteers themselves.

Why is the painting being done?

There are two reasons for the painting being done around the ground. The main one is maintenance and the second is too provide club identity.

When the stadium inspection was carried out it highlighted the need for the walls which were painted white to be re-done and this is also part of the summer maintenance work schedule. The paint will protect the brickwork from frost and weathering during the winter. The work has been done annually, however this year we have tried to highlight the work being done. The Amber has been added to provide club identity which is an area that was highlighted in the survey replies over the past few years and particularly the lack of it. We have also added photos and pictures around to help do the same.

What work was done on the Habbin Bridge?

There are three bridges behind the Habbin Stand enabling supporters to enter and exit the ground.
 
The stadium maintenance report requested the painting of the Habbin South and middle bridges to be painted before the season began. This work will prevent the bridges from rusting and needing to be replaced in the future.
 
The third bridge was highlighted for repair at a future point several years ago when the middle one
was replaced. It has been manged through remedial work each summer. However, following the snow and cold weather last winter the concrete surface was damaged beyond repair. A new steel frame has been placed across the brook and concrete added. The tarmac slope is to reduce the need for any steps had this work not been undertaken the capacity of the Habbin North terrace would have been effected
 
Why was work being done on the South Stand?

The reservoir that manages the water being released from the roof was highlighted to be an area of concern. When it rains the amount of water coming from the roof is considerable and needs to be released slowly into the drainage systems at a level that is managed.

If the work had not been done it would have resulted in the closure of the stand until corrected.

The work was required to clean the guttering out. More than twenty dustbin bag of debris was removed. A new liner was then laid in the reservoir.

Because the work was at high level a cherry picker lift was required and the area around the working area closed to the public.