Kaolin Park Baseball Infield Renovation

In the heart of Sandersville, Georgia, Kaolin Park serves as a cornerstone of the local community. For years, the park’s five baseball fields have hosted countless games, tournaments, and practices for Washington County athletes. However, maintaining five natural
dirt infields is a constant battle against the elements. Rain delays, uneven playing surfaces, and the endless cycle of dragging and chalking take a toll on both the facilities team and the players.

To solve these challenges and elevate the playing experience, Washington County partnered with Advanced Sports Group for a comprehensive sports construction project. The goal was clear: convert all five natural dirt infields to high-performance synthetic turf, creating a facility that athletes and families can be proud of for the next decade.

This was not a small undertaking. The project required a full turnkey construction approach, from the initial excavation of the existing dirt infields to the final installation of the synthetic turf system. In total, our field builders installed 69,043 square feet of premium synthetic turf across the five fields.

The transformation began with the complete removal of the old natural dirt surfaces. Our crews then established a precision laser-graded subbase, ensuring perfect planarity and optimal drainage. A solid foundation is the most critical component of any synthetic turf installation; without proper grading and drainage, even the best turf will fail prematurely. Once the base was perfected, the installation of the turf system could begin.

For a baseball infield, the choice of turf is paramount. The surface must replicate the speed, true bounce, and predictable roll of a professional natural grass and dirt field. For Kaolin Park, the clear choice was Shaw TruHop synthetic turf.

Shaw TruHop is specifically engineered for baseball. It is designed to provide consistent playability, allowing athletes to field ground balls with confidence and run the bases with secure footing. By installing TruHop across all five infields, we ensured that every player at Kaolin Park, from youth leagues to high school tournaments, experiences a pro-level surface.

Building quality sports facilities often means looking beyond the playing surface itself. To complete the Kaolin Park renovation, Advanced Sports Group managed the installation of several key facility upgrades.

Safety is always a top priority, which is why custom wall padding was installed around the fields. This padding not only protects athletes during intense play but also adds a polished, professional look to the complex. Additionally, new shade structures were erected to provide much-needed relief from the Georgia sun for spectators and players alike. These enhancements demonstrate a commitment to building value for the entire community, ensuring that the park is comfortable and safe for everyone who visits.

The conversion from natural dirt to synthetic turf baseball infields offers immediate and lasting benefits for Washington County.

First and foremost, it drastically reduces maintenance requirements. The days of dragging the infield, replacing clay, and constantly re-chalking lines are over. The facilities team can now redirect their time and resources to other areas of the park.

Secondly, synthetic turf virtually eliminates rain delays. The advanced drainage systems installed beneath the turf allow water to pass through quickly, meaning games can resume shortly after a heavy downpour. For a complex that hosts weekend tournaments, this reliability is invaluable. It ensures that schedules stay on track and that families traveling to Sandersville get to see their athletes play.

Finally, the durability of the Shaw TruHop system means these fields are built to last. With a typical lifespan of eight to ten years, Kaolin Park is equipped to handle heavy use season after season without degrading in quality.

We are incredibly proud of the work our team accomplished in Sandersville. Delivering 69,000 square feet of premium synthetic turf across five fields is a significant achievement, but the real reward is knowing that Washington County athletes now have a top-tier facility to call home.

We look forward to watching many seasons of great baseball played on these fields.