Subsurface irrigation system for a sports field

A subsurface irrigation system for a sports field comprising:

• a water control basin;
• a compacted subgrade;
• a liner carried by the subgrade;
• a water distribution system positioned on top of the liner and in fluid communication with the water control basin;
• a porous layer comprising a mixture of cement and particulate stone material overlaying the liner and the water distribution system;
• and
• a sports field layer on top of the porous layer;
• wherein the sports field layer comprises a pitcher's mound having a radial slope, and further comprising at least one concentric step positioned on top of the liner to follow the radial slope of the pitcher's mound;
• wherein the porous layer is configured to move water from the water distribution system upwards to the sports field layer using capillary action.

A method of constructing a subsurface irrigation system for a sports field, the method comprising:

• installing a substantially water impermeable layer on top of a compacted subgrade;
• positioning a plurality of water distribution boards on top of the water impermeable layer;
• installing a step between a first water distribution board positioned lower than an adjacent water distribution board of the plurality of water distribution boards to follow a slope of the sports field layer;
• connecting the plurality of water distribution boards to a water control basin that is configured to control a supply water to the water distribution boards
• filling in over the plurality of water distribution boards with a porous layer comprising cement and particulate stone material;
• and
• spreading a sports field layer on top of the porous layer;
• wherein the porous layer is configured to move water from the plurality of water distribution boards upwards to the sports field layer using capillary action.