Real-World Surface Solutions

Independent Evaluation. Actionable Recommendations. Documented Results.

Delmarva Shorebirds – Arthur W. Perdue Stadium

Salisbury, MD | Fall 2025

In Fall 2025, Boekholder & Associates provided full project planning and quality control services for the conversion of the playing surface at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, home of the Delmarva Shorebirds in Salisbury, Maryland.

The project involved transitioning the field from Latitude 36 bermudagrass to Barenbrug HGT Kentucky bluegrass, improving seasonal playability, surface consistency, and long-term performance within a professional Minor League Baseball environment.

Surface Conversion & Drainage Restoration

To restore field performance to original design specifications, the project required:

  • Removal of approximately 3 inches of accumulated organic buildup

  • Importation of USGA-specification sand to re-establish uniform grading

  • Adjustment of warning track widths

  • Replacement of all irrigation heads

A primary objective was restoring infiltration capacity and subsurface drainage performance, ensuring the field could efficiently evacuate water and maintain consistent playability during peak season demand.

MLB PDL Compliance

The reconstructed surface was engineered to comply with all Major League Baseball Player Development License (PDL) requirements, aligning the field with modern professional baseball performance standards.

This project was completed in collaboration with:

  • Hummer Turfgrass Systems (Manheim, PA)

  • Wicomico County, Maryland

  • The Delmarva Shorebirds organization

This project highlights expertise in:

  • Professional baseball field surface conversion

  • Bermudagrass to Kentucky bluegrass transitions

  • Athletic field drainage restoration

  • Organic matter removal and rootzone correction

  • USGA sand-based grading adjustments

  • MLB Player Development License compliance

  • Professional sports facility quality control

Snapdragon Stadium

San Diego, CA | Spring 2025

In Spring 2025, Boekholder & Associates provided full-project design and quality control services for a specialized surface modification project at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California.

Snapdragon Stadium is home to:

  • San Diego State University Aztecs (NCAA Division I)

  • San Diego FC (Major League Soccer)

  • San Diego Wave FC (National Women’s Soccer League)

This multi-tenant, professional sports venue required a flexible surface system capable of accommodating high event volume while maintaining elite-level playing conditions.

Modular Synthetic Turf Integration

To reduce wear from concentrated foot traffic and event-related vehicular access, pre-assembled modular synthetic turf panels were installed around the perimeter of the natural grass playing surface.

This system was engineered to:

  • Protect high-traffic zones

  • Minimize turf degradation during multi-event scheduling

  • Allow rapid installation and removal

  • Preserve natural grass integrity in primary competition areas

A key advantage of the design is its adaptability. When hosting events requiring expanded natural grass dimensions – such as international rugby – the synthetic modules can be removed and replaced with thick-cut natural grass sod to create a continuous natural surface.

Engineering & Design Scope

Boekholder & Associates’ scope of work included:

  • Synthetic turf material specification and selection

  • Drainage base design

  • Rootzone retention structure engineering

  • Irrigation system modifications to accommodate modular configurations

  • On-site quality control oversight

University of Pennsylvania – Rhodes Soccer Field

Philadelphia, PA | Spring 2024

In Spring 2024, Boekholder & Associates completed the first Boekholder Signature Design soccer surface at the University of Pennsylvania’s Rhodes Soccer Field in Philadelphia, PA.

This elite-level soccer pitch features Tahoma 31 bermudagrass installed over a fully engineered sand-based rootzone with a gravel drainage layer, advanced underdrainage infrastructure, and HDPE irrigation systems. The surface was specifically designed to deliver long-term structural stability, consistent ball roll, and high-performance playability.

Designed to support both the University of Pennsylvania men’s and women’s soccer programs, the field accommodates intensive in-season competition and daily training demands while maintaining surface integrity.

A core performance requirement of the project was compliance with FIFA planarity standards, meeting international specifications for surface smoothness and uniformity consistent with World Cup-level play.

University of Pennsylvania - Rhodes Soccer Field.

This project reflects Boekholder & Associates’ expertise in:

  • Sand-based athletic field construction

  • Natural grass performance engineering

  • Subsurface drainage and irrigation design

  • FIFA-compliant surface specifications

  • High-performance collegiate soccer field design

Dayton Dragons – Day Air Ballpark

Dayton, OH | Fall 2023 (Opened Spring 2024)

In Fall 2023, Boekholder & Associates completed a full professional field reconstruction at Day Air Ballpark, home of the High-A Midwest League Dayton Dragons in Dayton, Ohio.

This Boekholder Signature Design replaced the original sand-cap surface with a fully engineered sand-based athletic field system built for the demands of Minor League Baseball competition.

The six-month reconstruction included installation of:

  • A new gravel drainage layer

  • Sand-based rootzone material

  • Motz AirPat-compatible drainage system

  • HDPE irrigation piping

  • Reconstructed warning track system

Day Air Ballpark (Dayton, OH)

The finished surface features Barenbrug HGT Kentucky bluegrass sod grown on a sand base, providing enhanced wear tolerance, uniformity, and elite-level playability.

Design specifications required:

  • Minor League Baseball PDL-compliant field grades

  • Rootzone infiltration rates exceeding 30 inches per hour

  • Optimized surface stability and water evacuation

A standout feature of this project is the exclusive Boekholder & Associates “Rapid Drain” warning track system – engineered to maintain playability even during heavy rainfall events, minimizing weather-related disruptions.

This project demonstrates Boekholder & Associates’ expertise in:

  • Professional baseball field reconstruction

  • Sand-based athletic field engineering

  • High-performance drainage system design

  • Minor League Baseball grading compliance

  • Rapid-drain warning track construction

Oklahoma City Dodgers – Bricktown Ballpark

Oklahoma City, OK | Fall 2018

Boekholder & Associates provided field design and quality control services for a complete reconstruction of the playing surface at Bricktown Ballpark, home of the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Working in coordination with the City of Oklahoma City, the project included full replacement of:

  • Subsurface drainage systems

  • Irrigation infrastructure

  • Sand-based rootzone material

  • Infield mix

  • Warning track materials

The redesign modernized the field’s performance profile while addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges that had impacted the facility since its original construction.

Oklahoma City Dodgers – Bricktown Ballpark

Targeted Drainage Engineering

A primary objective of the project was eliminating recurring flooding in front of both dugouts – a persistent issue affecting dugout and clubhouse areas.

To resolve this, Boekholder & Associates engineered enhanced drainage capacity in critical transition zones, increasing subsurface evacuation rates and preventing water accumulation in high-risk areas.

Manifold Irrigation System Design

The field was constructed with a manifold-type HDPE irrigation piping system, consolidating all irrigation control valves into an existing right-field storage room.

This configuration provides:

  • Immediate access to all irrigation control points

  • Elimination of buried valve box maintenance

  • Reduced service disruption

  • Improved long-term operational efficiency

This project highlights Boekholder & Associates’ capabilities in:

  • Triple-A professional baseball field design

  • Athletic field drainage retrofits

  • Dugout flooding mitigation engineering

  • Sand-based rootzone reconstruction

  • Advanced HDPE irrigation system design

  • Municipal and professional facility collaboration

Delcastle High School – Soccer Field

Wilmington, DE | Summer 2014

In Summer 2014, Boekholder & Associates completed the design and construction oversight of a 320′ x 205′ modified native-soil soccer field at Delcastle High School in Wilmington, Delaware.

This project demonstrates a cost-effective, performance-driven approach to natural grass athletic field construction for K-12 facilities.

Modified Native-Soil Field Engineering

The playing surface was constructed with a 6-inch native soil cap amended with USGA-specified sand and organic compost to improve drainage, root development, and surface stability.

Key infrastructure components include:

  • 2-inch perforated underdrains installed on 12-foot spacing

  • Full-field underdrain upgrade completed in 2017

  • Automated irrigation system

  • Sodded bermudagrass playing surface

Delcastle High School – Soccer Field

This design balances playability, durability, and budget-conscious engineering while significantly improving water movement and long-term surface performance compared to traditional native-soil fields.

Comprehensive Field Design & Quality Control

Boekholder & Associates provided the complete athletic field design package, including:

  • Lines and grade development

  • Drainage system design

  • Irrigation system engineering

  • Construction specifications

  • On-site quality control services

The Baldwin School – Lower Field

Bryn Mawr, PA | Summer 2009

The Lower Field at The Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania was constructed in Summer 2009 following completion of the school’s new Athletics Center facility.

Designed as a high-performance, multi-sport natural grass surface, the field supports soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse programming for this independent school athletic program.

Engineered Natural Grass Construction

The field was constructed with:

  • An imported 6-inch sandy-loam topsoil cap

  • Full subsurface underdrainage system

  • Automated irrigation infrastructure

  • Barenbrug HGT Kentucky bluegrass sod

The sandy-loam profile was selected to balance surface stability, drainage performance, and durability for multi-sport use across fall and spring seasons.

Full Design & Long-Term Consulting Partnership

Boekholder & Associates provided the complete field design package, including:

  • Lines and grade development

  • Drainage system engineering

  • Irrigation system design

  • Construction specifications

In addition to the original construction planning, Boekholder & Associates has provided ongoing athletic field maintenance consulting since the field’s completion – ensuring long-term surface performance, turf health optimization, and consistent playability.