Standing water had caused persistent playability issues on the existing soccer and football turf field at Sehmel Homestead Park for several seasons. Baumwelt was retained to evaluate the field and develop a design solution that would restore reliable performance while maximizing the value of the project investment.
As part of the renovation, the existing subsurface drainage system was analyzed and determined to be undersized for the field conditions. Baumwelt redesigned the drainage infrastructure to improve stormwater conveyance and eliminate the standing water issues that had affected field usability. The revised system provided a durable and cost-effective solution while maintaining a manageable construction budget for the park district.
The efficient design approach also allowed PenMet Parks to incorporate additional improvements to the facility. These included installation of a high-performance synthetic turf system and the creation of a new entry plaza at the primary access point to the field. The plaza provides a flexible gathering space for spectators and teams and can accommodate award ceremonies, team meetings, and informal community use before and after games.
Electrical upgrades were also incorporated into the project, including festival power infrastructure to support larger community events and tournaments in the future.
The completed improvements restored reliable field performance while enhancing the overall experience for athletes, spectators, and community members. Through careful technical evaluation and efficient design, Baumwelt delivered a modernized sports facility that supports year-round recreation and expanded event opportunities at Sehmel Homestead Park.