Vol. 17, No. 37July 23, 1998

New turf surface improves Harrington Beach

An acre of new sod is placed on Harrington Beach, a popular student recreational area.

The existing irrigation system was upgraded and improved drainage and an acre of new sod have been installed at Harrington Beach to enhance that recreational area's appearance and durability.

Over the last several years, continued use and the effects of nature had taken a toll on the large, open space-located on East Campus behind the Perkins Student Center and near the Gilbert, Russell and Harrington residence hall complexes.

To improve the area's overall appearance and the endurance of the grass and soil, grounds personnel removed the former grassy surface along with 12 inches of soil and repaired an underground irrigation system similar to the one in place in Delaware Stadium. After the water system's repair, 12 inches of sand, similar to that used in golf courses, was laid to replace the soil and enhance turf growth. A layer of Bermuda grass completed the project.

The area is now roped off and will remain so until students move in next month, to give the grass a chance to establish itself, according to Sam Jones, grounds.

Because of the underground sprinklers and drainage, Harrington Beach is off limits to all vehicles, and meeting tents cannot be erected. "Vehicle traffic and tent spikes can damage the underground pipe system," Jones said.

For irrigation, the sprinkler heads, located about 14 inches below ground level, rise about 8 inches above the grass and water according to information fed into a timer.

Jones said grounds personnel moved approximately 1,600 tons of sand to the site to replace the soil that had been removed. Project cost was approximately $75,000, and 90 percent of the work was done by grounds personnel. Money donated by the 1998 Senior Class was designated for Harrington Beach beautification.

"This job is aesthetically pleasing," Jones said. "There are a lot of parents visiting campus with their children, and many stop in at the University Bookstore, located nearby in the Perkins Student Center. Some are considering coming to UD. The improved appearance of this area is a wonderful marketing tool."

-Ed Okonowicz
Photo by Jack Buxbaum