VIEW FROM THE FIELD

By John Kmitta

In the game of baseball , it often takes a team effort to earn the win . Proper communication , buy-in by all parties , and team pride are key factors in that approach . That same philosophy has also led to success for those who manage Johnson Park in New Ulm , Minnesota .

Johnson Park is a professional-size baseball field that only accommodates high school and above levels of play . Constructed in 1938 , the field is a blend of bluegrass , ryegrass and fescues ; has never undergone a full renovation ; and hosted 85 baseball games in 2022 . But through a revised management approach that involves open communication and a substantial dose of volunteer effort , Johnson Park earned the Turfco / Minnesota Park and Sports Turf Managers Association ( MPSTMA ) Field of the Year Award in 2022 .

According to Ryan Weier , facilities maintenance supervisor , City of New Ulm Park and Recreation department , that change in structure – as well as the resultant effort put forth by the city and Johnson Park user groups – can serve as an example for other municipalities and other sports field management professionals , as well as their user groups .

“ Any turf manager understands the challenges with weather , schedules , customers and traffic . We have similar issues ,” said Weier . “ How we ’ ve dealt with it is through the partnership with local volunteer organizations – mainly the main baseball club in town .”

When the weather doesn ’ t allow the City of New Ulm Park and Rec staff to maintain Johnson Park , the off hours have been supplemented with volunteer hours .

“ That is the difference between what our field was five to seven years ago compared to what it is today , which culminated in the field of the year award ,” said Weier . “ That group has been able to get trained and consistently on board to carry our operations to nights and weekends .”

34 SportsField Management | Mayl 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com