Fukakita Ryokuchi Park Ball Game Plaza Ground Maintenance

Maintenance of the multi-purpose ball game plaza of the Osaka municipal Fukakita Ryokuchi Park

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Before maintenance

Maintenance before a ground golf competition. Irregularities need to be eliminated as much as possible within one day.

Partial raking
Irregularities in frequently used parts of the ground are removed using raking. The ground is raked to a depth of 2 to 5 cm using a special rake fitted with iron spikes. Soil is obtained from higher bumps, is spread over the raked area, and then mixed with the existing soil. Water is then sprinkled over the raked area using a watering can in order to dampen the soil a little. There is a trick to getting the right level of moisture.

 Leveling of irregularities

A rough steel mat is then dragged over the surface of the ground. In this photograph, a brush is being used in combination with the mat. This process results in beautifully uniform surface particles.

Roller compaction

The ground is compacted using a roller specially made for ground maintenance. Since the ground is so spacious, it takes a lot of time to level the surface, so this process needs to be done with as much speed as possible. Compaction has to be repeated so many times that the driver ends up with a sore bum.

Surface finishing

Brushing of the ground surface is performed in order to prevent balls from hitting stones and heading in irregular directions.

Completion

All the ground maintenance work has been completed for the next day's ground golf competition.