Lincoln Park diamonds to see new turf with grant funding

Players on the ball diamonds at Lincoln Park in Columbus will soon be seeing artificial turf on the infields, thanks to grants from the state and Columbus Area Visitors Center.

According to the Columbus Parks Department, the city will be installing FieldTurf brand synthetic turf on six infields at the park. Tackett Sports has been chosen as the contractor for the project.

The upgrade was made possible by a $1 million grant from the state’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, or READI funding. READI grant funds use a combination of state appropriated money along with federal funds, with matching grants by philanthropic organizations, local governments and private entities. The South Central Indiana Talent Region which includes Bartholomew County received approval for up to $30 million for local projects.

The Columbus Area Visitors Center is contributing $300,000 to the project, with Executive Director Misty Weisensteiner saying that synthetic turf fields are critical to the continued growth of sports in Columbus. She said that sports remain one of the most significant drivers of economic impact in the community and Columbus has lost out on hosting opportunities to other communities with better facilities.

Brady Buckley, Associate Director of Sports for Columbus Parks and Recreation Department said that the turf will reduce rainouts and ensure consistent playability on the fields. Buckley said those are essential factors for hosting major tournaments.

Work on the turf is expected to start in October.

Lincoln Park ball diamonds photo courtesy of Columbus Parks and Recreation Department.