Lower Highland Park Ballfields
This project upgraded two heavily used natural turf ballfields to provide full-size fields and reduce existing erosion problems through regrading the ballfield areas, new drainage infiltration and slope stabilization measures.
The terminal moraine that marks the southern extent of ice age glaciers forms an east-west hilly ridge through Highland Park that rises to the north above the ballfields, contributing to excessive runoff across the ballfields, which caused extensive erosion at the lower slopes. The slope above the field also limited the extent of the outfield. The challenge was to regrade the fields and provide a full-sized outfield while also reducing erosion, promoting infiltration and protecting the mature existing trees.
Informed by a thorough study of the issues, our design reconstructed the two ballfields in locations close to the existing layout as relocation of the fields was limited by the existing sports lighting system which needed to remain in place. The design included new ADA accessible paths to the dugouts, generously sized paved dugout areas with players benches and mesh fabric shade roofs. New drinking fountains and water supply for irrigation were provided at each field. A new stone retaining was introduced to extend the level outfield area into the slope, using granite that matched other features in the park.
Location
Queens, NY
Client
NYC Parks
Role
Prime Consultant
Team
HDR
