As we mark the 250th anniversary of our country this year, there’s perhaps no more fitting way to celebrate than by opening a newly renovated ballfield to continue enjoying America’s favorite pastime.
That’s exactly what happened Tuesday night in Boerne as City leadership, residents, and ball players gathered at Northrup Park to officially open the new Field 11 after nearly 10 months of work.
“This project is something our team takes tremendous pride in, not just because of what was achieved, but because of how it was completed,” Parks and Recreation Director Lissette Jimenez said.
Voters approved a $13 million bond proposition in 2022 to support major investments in the City of Boerne’s parks. 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 playing surface and lack of lighting. Now, new LED dark-sky compliant lighting has been installed to expand hours of use and ensure the glow of the field doesn’t take away from the glow of the Hill Country night skies.
“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 completely torn out and graded. A new infield mix was installed, and new sod now blankets the outfield. A new irrigation system was installed under all of that, including a quick connection for the infield surface.
A new scoreboard stands just beyond the left field wall and a new press box, designed and built in-house, sits behind the backstop. Finally, a new bleacher pad and stands were installed on the first base side to give fans a place to cheer on their team.
“Strategic investment is about more than building something new. It’s about honoring what we already have and ensuring it continues to meet the needs of today and for the next generation,” City Manager Ben Thatcher said. “This is what it looks like when planning, resident input, and execution come together.”
After remarks by leadership, those in attendance at Tuesday’s celebration 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 City staff and councilmembers.
Waterman Construction, Agave Studio, and DW Electric partnered with the City of Boerne on the bond improvements to Field 11.
Beyond the Bond
The renovations at Field 11 were supported by the 2022 bond proposition, but other projects at Northrup Park have also been completed to further enhance the experience of the boys and girls of summer.
“Our Parks staff saw an opportunity to do more,” Jimenez said. “Within existing budgets and using their own expertise, our team enhanced multiple areas of this park well beyond the original bond scope.”
Northrup Park is home to 11 fields for youth baseball and softball, as well as T-ball and adult softball. Enhancements were made across the entire park, including:
- Fixing drainage problems
- Rehabilitating batting boxes and pitching mounds
- Laser-leveling infields
- Replacing sod and implementing fertilization programs
- Correcting safety concerns with sidewalks
The investments in Northrup Park reflect a commitment to its long-term care as it continues to serve generations of Boerne ball players and their families.
Park History
The 103-acre parkland was purchased by the City of Boerne from the Northrup family in 1995. It opened to the public in 2000 as a home for youth baseball, softball, and community gatherings.
Beyond the ball fields, Northrup Park also has a covered basketball pavilion, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pit, picnic areas, and other amenities.
