Around the same time Mercer Group Field was taking shape earlier
this spring, the Cincinnati Reds were getting a new profile installed in
their infield at the Great American Ballpark. Mercer, who knows Red's
groundskeeper Doug Gallant and his assistant, Chad Lavender, asked
if they could have a few truckloads of the Reds' old topdressing. Two
loads of the infield mix were brought straight from Great American
Ballpark to put atop Mercer Group Field.
Once completed Mercer Group has continued to do the main-
tenance of the field including, but not limited to, mowing, infield
screening and lining, fertilization of turf, as well as general ball field
maintenance. Mercer Group donated all the construction and the
maintenance costs of the field. All improvements were paid for by the
Mercer Group and donated to the City of Troy.
The ball field is designed for 12U and under baseball and all ages
of women's softball. The field is used by the general public. Mercer
Group has plans each year to make improvements to the field. It is
truly a public/private partnership with Mercer Group and the govern-
ment entity of the City of Troy Park Board.
"As city budgets get tighter and tighter, we believe you will see
more projects like this in cities across the country," Mercer says. "It is
truly heart-warming to see a park area once used very little, to now see
kids, both boys and girls, playing baseball and softball. I could not be
prouder of our company for giving back to our community." ■
www.stma.org August 2014 | SportsTurf 35
