Cam Richardson, left, and Zach Severns, operations managers for BrightView Sports Turf, complete work on the stadium pitchers mound at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach on January 10, 2017. (Richard Graulich / The Palm Beach Post)
Visiting the Nats new Spring Training complex yesterday was spectacular. The weather was high in the 70’s, sunny, low humidity and a very mild breeze. The Ballpark at the Palm Beaches is a 24/7 rush to the finish here with workers, equipment and activity everywhere.
Approaching the main entrance on Haverhill Road, it looks a bit like a moon landing as all the parking lots which serve as construction staging areas are filled with dirt piles, equipment and supplies .
Well back in the lunar setting, across a large site developed lake is the main stadium surrounded by the high fenced practice fields and light towers . Impressive, very wide view from the main road.
Truckloads of turf and palm trees ready for landscaping sit in the lot.
The property envelope is a rectangular shaped parcel bordered by main highways . Along the back, the practice fields edge up directly to a busy road (Military Trail).
I was able to view a couple practice fields from an open gate where I was literally on the warning track. A prominent red sign displayed a warning that it would be a felony to enter without permission so I figured I was close enough! The outfield grass was green, green, green and well-manicured and looked inviting. The warning track was topped very small, brownish gravel (photo below).
I was on the right field side so of course easy to imagine #34 shagging some fly balls exactly next to me!
It’s exciting Nats fans thinking about this baseball wonderland about to come to life!
