The City of Port Angeles retained Baumwelt to design improvements to Volunteer Field, a community baseball facility built and maintained through the efforts of local volunteers. The primary goal of the project was to replace the existing dirt infield with a synthetic turf infield system and integrated under-drainage to improve field performance and reduce maintenance demands.
A key technical challenge involved carefully matching the new infield grades to the existing natural grass outfield and the fixed elevations of the backstop, dugouts, and surrounding infrastructure. The design ensured a seamless transition between the new synthetic turf surface and the existing field geometry while maintaining proper drainage and playability.
Additional improvements included renovations to both bullpens and the installation of new synthetic turf in those areas. At the dugouts, Baumwelt worked with the City and project donor to field locate volunteer-fabricated lean rails that allow players to comfortably watch the game from the dugout area.
A defining aspect of the project was the strong involvement of community volunteers. Baumwelt helped structure the construction process so volunteers could contribute to portions of the work, including removal of the existing infield soils and rough grading of the site. This approach helped reduce overall project costs while maintaining community ownership of the field.
Through thoughtful design coordination and collaboration with local volunteers, contractors, and field installation specialists, the project successfully modernized Volunteer Field while preserving its community-built spirit. The new synthetic turf infield provides reliable performance and reduced maintenance, ensuring the field will continue to serve Port Angeles players and spectators for many seasons to come.