Case Studies

Baseball Field at the Longley Field Complex

CampusCare^® provides full outsourcing of all grounds maintenance services to Dean College in Franklin, MA. Over the years, CampusCare^® has also provided Dean with consulting and the completion of various special projects. The reconstruction of the baseball field during the fall of 2006 was one of these projects.

The baseball field was in need of significant repair as the infield was dramatically uneven and suffered from very poor drainage, making the field both unplayable and unsafe. The issues were compounded by the fact that the field was used extensively as both the practice and game day field for a Division II college baseball team, as well as the primary field for summer camps. While the need to repair the field was apparent, Dean sought a cost effective solution that would provide short term benefits as there were discussions of ultimately having to move the field on account of a future master plan. CampusCare^® was able to provide a solution to make the field safe and playable at a rate that Dean found cost effective.

Using laser graders and other specialized equipment, CampusCare^® made drastic improvements to the playability, safety, and health of the field. The scope of work for this project included:

Documenting existing conditions by measuring existing grades and elevations
Meeting with the facilities and athletic departments to determine desired results
Developing a plan that outlined various options to achieve the desired results
Removal of the existing grass infield and the immediate perimeter of the skinned infield surface
Reconstruction of the pitcher’s mound to specifications
Add soil and regrade the infield and perimeter for proper elevation and improved drainage
Add clay infield mix and laser grade to exact elevations for proper play and drainage
Install sod in the infield
Incorporate a conditioner into the top layer of the skinned infield areas

The improvement and impact of the results have been extremely positive. The outcome was a project that was completed on budget to provide short term results balanced with the potential long term plans. The students, coaches, athletes, and admissions staff have benefited from and appreciate the results.