Fencing Recreational Turfed Areas

When it comes to recreational turfs like lawn tennis courts or baseball and football fields, everyone focuses on the type and quality of turf used. While the turf in the playing field and its surrounding areas are quite important to the overall look of the space and the playing experience, there is another subject matter that is equally important – fencing.

However, fencing is often under-appreciated. Most people may not be aware, but there is a wide variety of fences for turf courts and fields to choose from. They differ in terms of materials, colour, finishes, and fencing style or design. For sure, there is a fence out there that would suit your needs and preferences. But before we go on into the things you need to consider when fencing your court or field, you have to first understand why fencing is just as important as the turf that you lay down on your space.

What is the importance of fencing in recreational spaces?

Fences for tennis courts, baseball fields and football fields have both practical and aesthetic functions. Below are some of the important roles they play when it comes landscaping recreational turfs.

·      It delineates the playing field.

This is probably one of the most obvious reasons why fencing is a necessary part of any outdoor court and field development project. Generally, a fence would indicate which space is part of the playing area and which is not. Depending on the sport, there are certain rules to follow regarding the height, distance, and visibility of the fence.

·      It defines property boundaries.

The fence in the periphery of the recreational field or court would indicate the boundaries of your property. Fences would prohibit and limit unauthorised use of the field or court after operating hours.

·      It protects both the players and spectators.

Most outdoor sports involve high-speed balls that may be accidentally directed towards the people watching on the bleachers. Having a fence between the viewing area and the actual playing field would help keep the ball within the playing field, protecting the audience from tossed baseball bats or fast-flying tennis balls and reducing the risk of injuries. At the same time, fences may also protect the players from getting hit or injured when some viewers throw some objects or trash into the field.

·      It improves aesthetics.

Fences are not only practical, but they can also be used to improve the visual landscape of your area. There are several decorative options when fencing your field or court – from add-ons to finishing and colour.

Things to consider when choosing a fence for your recreational turf

Before choosing the fence that you would place around your tennis court, football field or baseball field, there are some things that you need to consider to know the perfect type of fence for your needs. Below are some of them.

·      Sports standards and local regulations

If the recreational space is intended for professional use, then there would be some specifications and standards regarding the fencing, which may vary depending on the sport. If there is any, local regulations regarding fence dimensions and safety measures should be considered as well. Make sure that you comply with all the standards and regulations that apply to you.

·      The environment and weather conditions

Chain link fence is probably the most popular and most widely-used fencing when it comes to sports. However, if your area has a corrosive environment, like having too much air pollution, or being exposed to saltwater, then you might need to get the vinyl-clad chain links instead of the galvanised one. This extra layer of protection would help improve the durability of your fence. If your area regularly experiences strong winds and storms, then reinforcing your fence by adding bottom and mid rails is of utmost importance. Doing so would make your fence more stable, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

·      Aesthetics

If having the regular chain link fence is too dull or boring for you, you could improve its overall look by adding colour to your fence. If it is for a school, then you could have it in the school’s official colours. When you do this, however, do not use colours that will make the ball hard to see. You could also add certain details to your chain link fence, such as wood framing, square posts or transition panels, which would give your fence a more unique and distinctive look.

For any of your fencing needs, we highly recommend Chainwire Fencing Specialists. Their team of experts would help you plan, design, and install your fence. To find out more about their services, feel free to contact them through the link above.