ERIN – Sports fanatics and casual players alike are in for a treat, as the Town of Erin sets its sights on a new robotic line painting device for local sports fields.
“Traditionally, the line painting is a labour-intensive process that requires at least two staff per field manually stringing and requires significant time,” said director of community services Jennifer McPetrie at the April 24 council meeting.
“As our community continues to grow – and we have more fields, more planters in our downtowns this year, as well as a greater use of public space – so does the demand on our staff resources.”
According to McPetrie’s report, the device will utilize GPS technology to simplify and automate the process, with an accuracy of within one inch. The GPS technology will allow single-person operation and eliminate the need for string layouts, reducing labour costs, officials say.
The digital design capabilities of the machine will also enable uniformity across multiple fields and flexibility to modify field lines without an on-field presence.
“This purchase isn’t just about an asset; it’s about investing in efficiency and quality,” said McPetrie.
The town is home to seven soccer fields and two baseball diamonds at Barbour Field, as well as additional ones at Victoria Park and in Ballinafad.
The total cost of the machine is $45,000, with the funding coming from the Barbour Field Reserve Fund.
Councillor Jamie Cheyne asked about other costs associated with the machine, such as paint and repairs.
“There is an operational cost of about $2,000 a year for the GPS tracking system that we would use as well as paint,” said McPetrie.
“However, paint is already within our budget. It’s the same paint that we would use right now, it’s just being pushed through the system.”
Councillor Bridget Ryan asked about the machine’s lifespan.
“Typically, any of our assets that are purchased for our operations, we tag with a ten-year life cycle,” said McPetrie.
“That can be extended and can be shortened based on the use.”
Council voted unanimously in favour of the new machine as well as the procurement of funds from the Barbour Field reserve.
