SAL1 Charleston RiverDogs

RiverDogs Install New Playing Surface

Published on March 22, 2005 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston RiverDogs News Release


CHARLESTON, SC -- The playing surface at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, rated as one of the top minor league facilities in America, underwent a complete renovation during the off-season and is in excellent shape for the Charleston RiverDogs' opener on April 7.

"The playing field was in need of some attention, and it is now in superior shape," said RiverDogs Director of Operations Ben Danosky.

According to Danosky, the field features 95,000 square-feet of Certified Tifway 419 Hybrid Bermuda Turf grass, which is ideal for Charleston's climate.

Yet prior to laying the new grass on the improved playing surface that opened in April 1997, workers from Southeastern Field Construction of Georgia went through the following steps:

* Cut and removed existing turf (95,000 square feet);

* Excavated and removed surface area of existing materials (2,000 cubic yards);

* Blended, installed and laser graded Greensmix Rootzone mix and USGA approved sand/peat mix (7,500 tons);

* Warning track gravel base and choker layers installed and laser graded (1,000 tons);

* Crushed red brick nuggets at warning track surface installed and laser graded (150 cubic yards);

* Skinned area clay/sand mix installed and laser graded (300 tons);

* Processed sand (100 percent Greensmix sand) underneath skinned areas installed and laser graded (250 tons);

* Pro's Choice skinned area conditioner at skinned areas installed, groomed and laser graded (25 tons);

* Pave Rouge skinned area conditioner installed, groomed and laser graded (65 cubic yards).

The renovations and improvements to Riley Park were coordinated by the City of Charleston.

"Riley Park is in the best condition since it was opened," said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. "Local officials take great pride in our ballpark and every possible effort has been made to upgrade the field.

"We credit and thank Mayor Riley, City Council and Charleston's Department of Recreation for their help in making the ballpark another of this city's many charms."

Riley Park, which opened in April 1997 and doubles as the home field for The Citadel baseball team, has approximately 150 games played annually, not counting practice days and special events.

Opening Day for the RiverDogs' 2005 season is Thursday, April 7, when Charleston hosts the Augusta Greenjackets at 7:05 p.m. This is the RiverDogs' first year as an affiliate of the New York Yankees.

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