Turf takeover: Lincoln Park’s six diamond infields getting FieldTurf upgrade to supercharge sports tourism

Columbus is turning routine grounders into sure things. Columbus Parks and Recreation has tapped FieldTurf (by Tackett Sports) to install synthetic turf on six infields at Lincoln Park, a game-changing investment designed to shrink rainouts, speed up field turns, and elevate the athlete and visitor experience across baseball and softball.

The project is fueled by a $1 million READI grant allocation—part of the $30 million award to the South Central Indiana Talent Region—plus an additional $300,000 from the Columbus Area Visitors Center. The pitch is simple: turf equals reliability. With consistent playability and faster recoveries after weather, Lincoln Park can anchor bigger tournament footprints, coordinate with nearby venues, and bring multi-site events that pump dollars into local hotels, restaurants, and retailers.

That plan is already circling the bases. Lincoln Park is slated to host the USSSA Fast Pitch Nationals, with more marquee stops on deck. The Park has also refurbished the batting cages and pitching machines, giving local athletes a modern practice hub while traveling teams get a top-shelf tournament home.

Construction is expected to begin in October with minimal disruption to current programming. By the time tourney season is in full swing, Columbus aims to be a destination that visiting coaches rave about and local players call home field advantage.

More info: Columbus Parks & Recreation — 812.376.2695 • columbusparksandrec.com