Flipping the $1.4 million switch at ballpark

New field is dark-sky friendly

Boerne leaders and sports enthusiasts turned out Tuesday to Northrup Park to “flip the switch” on the completion of a $1.4 million project to revamp and light up a new ball field.

After nearly 10 months of work, Northrup’s Field 11 was completed using bond money to turn an uneven playing venue into a “shining gem,” with LED dark-sky compliant lighting, officials said.

“This project is something our team takes tremendous pride in, not just because of what was achieved, but because of how it was completed,” said Lissette Jimenez, Boerne’s parks and recreation director. After remarks by local dignitaries, attendees gathered to officially flip the switch and turn on the new lights. A handful of Boerne Little League players wasted no time putting the field to use during a scrimmage with municipal staff and City Council members.

Voters approved a $13 million bond proposition in 2022 to support major investments in Boerne’s parks, according to a news release.

Most of those funds are earmarked for the development of the new Northside Community Park, but $1.4 million was set aside to enhance Field 11 at Northrup Park and to complete lighting and other enhancements at City Park.

Before renovations, Field 11 was not used for organized league play due to its rough surface and lack of illumination, officials said.

The new lighting helps expand the field’s hours of use and ensures the glow doesn’t take away from the allure of the Hill Country night skies, city officials said.

“The new lighting, field renovations and improvements across the complex are about more than infrastructure,” Mayor Frank Ritchie said. “They’re about extending playing time for working families, improving safety, expanding playability and ensuring this park continues to serve our community for years to come.”

The infield and outfield were torn out and graded. A new infield mix was installed, and new sod now blankets the outfield, planners said. A new irrigation system was installed as well, including a quick connection for the infield surface.

Other enhancements include a new scoreboard just beyond the left-field wall, a new press box and a new bleacher pad and stands on the first-base side of the field.

“Strategic investment is about more than something new,” City Manager Ben Thatcher said. “It’s about honoring what we already have and ensuring it continues to meet the needs of today and for the next generation.

“This is what it looks like when planning, resident input and execution come together,” he added.

Waterman Construction, Agave Studio and DW Electric partnered with Boerne on the bond improvements to Field 11.

Other improvements include:

• Fixing drainage problems

• Rehabilitating batting boxes and pitching mound

• Laser-leveling infields

• Replacing sod and implementing fertilization programs

• Correcting safety concerns with sidewalks The 103-acre parkland was purchased from the Northrup family in 1995. It opened to the public in 2000 as a home for youth baseball, softball and community gatherings.

“This is what it looks like when planning, resident input and execution come together.”

— Ben Thatcher, city manager