Project EverGreen, Hunter Industries & STMA deliver field improvements

The playing surface of William Bradley Park’s Field # 3 in San Marcos, Calif., became uneven due to the settling of decomposing organic matter – the park was built on a former landfill in the 1960s – and was in need of immediate attention.

To prevent the playing surface – which receives significant year-around usage from an estimated 4,000 youth baseball, softball and soccer athletes – from becoming a safety hazard a helping hand was needed.

Providing that lift was Project EverGreen and Hunter Industries, along with the Southern California Sports Turf Managers Association, and local landscape contractors and suppliers who came together to revitalize this valuable stretch of green space.

The project, which was valued at more than $31,000 in donated time and materials, however, is more than an aesthetic makeover for the playing surface. It represents an investment in the residents, especially children, who use the park to compete, exercise and connect with their neighbors on a daily basis.

“The young athletes and San Marcos residents are the real winners from this project,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “The renovated field now provides a safer playing surface for participants, and the enhanced public areas deliver a healthy dose of green benefits to the community.”

Gene Smith, vice president of marketing for Hunter Industries, explained his company’s role in the project and the impact it will have on the community and environment.

“Projects like this are important to Hunter because we are committed to giving back to the communities where we work, live and play,” said Smith. “We want to create spaces where kids can come out and learn an athletic skill, be outside for the good of their health and enjoyment.”

Smith added that the project also delivered environmental benefits with the addition of healthy turf, shrubs and trees to the community.

“Instead of having an area of open dirt or hardscape we have biological materials that deliver a cooling affect and promote oxygen through carbon sequestration,” added Smith.

The renovation project encompassed a variety of elements that will provide a sustainable platform for future generations to enjoy and maintain the field. The project included:

  • Grass aeration
  • Weed control
  • Nutrients to improve grass health
  • Installed new sod to improve player safety
  • Field laser-level grading
  • Install Infield clay soil mix
  • Install outfield warning track mix
  • Outfield top dress sand to fill in uneven areas
  • Field and shrub beds Irrigation repair and re-alignment
  • New trees and shrubs bed planting
  • Mulching plant beds
  • Repair and paint ballfield dugouts, benches, fences, and backstop
  • Re-seeding
    Presenting Sponsors

Hunter Industries
Southern California Sports Turf Managers Association

Project Contributors

American Park Specialties
Barkshire Laser Leveling
Briggs Nursery & Tree Co.
Ewing Fertilizers
Gail Materials
Landscape Solutions
Mountain States Wholesale Nursery
Pacific Play Systems, Inc.
P. W. Gillibrand Co., Inc.
West Coast Arborists
West Coast Turf