Project EverGreen, ScottsMiracle-Gro’s “Keep It Real” initiative and members of the New England Sports Field Management Association partnered to restore and revitalize the baseball field at the Yawkey Boys & Girls Club of Roxbury.
The project marked Project EverGreen’s first GreenCare for Communities renovation in the city of Boston and transformed a well-loved but aging field into a safer, more functional and environmentally healthier green space for local families, aspiring athletes, and neighborhood residents.
The renovation was led by NE-SFMA members who volunteered a full day away from their regular responsibilities to improve the field. These professionals manage and maintain athletic fields across New England and brought the same level of expertise used on premier sports facilities to benefit young athletes in Roxbury. Their collective efforts helped ensure the field is safer, more durable and better able to serve the community for years to come.
"Great fields do more than support play, they help athletes perform safely and communities thrive," said Tom Barry, CSFM, of Greens Farms Academy and a NE-SFMA board director. "This project was a meaningful way for our members to give back, applying their professional expertise to create a field that Roxbury residents can enjoy and be proud of for generations."
Beyond the field improvements, the project highlighted the important role healthy natural green spaces play in supporting the well-being of communities. Well-maintained athletic fields encourage physical activity and teamwork while also helping cool surrounding neighborhoods, improve air quality and support stormwater management.
"Healthy green spaces create healthier communities," said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. "This renovation showcased the incredible generosity of the sports field management profession. NE-SFMA members donated their time, knowledge and talents to create a better playing experience for local youth. Their commitment demonstrates how skilled professionals can make a lasting impact far beyond the facilities they manage every day."
The renovation was made possible through the collective efforts and volunteer support of Project EverGreen, ScottsMiracle-Gro, NE-SFMA and community partners committed to creating greener, healthier and more connected neighborhoods.
John Sass, senior vice president of the lawns business unit and chief creative officer at ScottsMiracle-Gro, said natural grass is essential for safer play and healthier communities.
"From reducing injuries with a softer, more forgiving surface to supporting overall well-being, real grass continues to outperform artificial turf where it matters most, which is why we're investing in natural fields for the next generation through 'Keep It Real,'" said Sass.
The "Keep It Real" initiative underscores the importance of playing surfaces that support performance, safety and development, from local community fields to the highest levels of the game. To date, the initiative has supported more than 2,000 children nationwide by providing opportunities to play on natural turf fields, helping young athletes develop their skills and strengthen connections with their communities.
A Home Run for Cleaner Air
Green spaces like the athletic field at the Yawkey Boys & Girls Club help cool neighborhoods, improve air quality, manage stormwater and create safe places for recreation and connection.
The 26,319 square feet of grass on the baseball field and surrounding trees sequester nearly 20,000 pounds of carbon from the air annually in the Roxbury neighborhood. That is comparable to the emissions produced by driving an average gas-powered vehicle approximately 25,000 miles or the energy used by a typical homeowner over a two-year period.
Since 2008, Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Communities initiative has renovated parks and public green spaces totaling more than 200 million square feet of living green space nationwide.
Project Scope Highlights
- The infield was surveyed and reshaped to create a smooth, level playing surface.
- New home plate, pitching rubber and a complete set of bases were installed.
- Clean, consistent edges between the grass and infield were defined for a professional appearance.
- New infield material was added and leveled to improve playability and drainage.
- High-use areas, including the batter’s boxes and pitcher’s mound, were reinforced for durability.
- The outfield was revitalized through aeration, overseeding and a full-season fertilization plan.
