In this episode of Northbrook in 90, Park District staff and community partners shared what has changed and what is to come for athletic fields improvements. After listening to feedback (especially from baseball and softball families) about inconsistent conditions, the park district has made field quality and drainage a major focus heading into spring seasons.
Why the Focus on Fields (and What Guided the Plan)
Meri Shea, Superintendent of Athletics and Fitness at Northbrook Park District, explained that the district has tightened coordination between parks and recreation teams to monitor conditions more closely and communicate quickly when a field needs attention. A major milestone was a Comprehensive Field and Court Assessment completed with a consultant in August 2024. That assessment has served as a roadmap for where to invest staff time and resources at Techny Prairie Park and Fields and across the park district.
What Changed in 2025: Practical Upgrades That Improve Playability
Northbrook Park District Grounds Supervisor Chris Ryerson called 2025 the park district’s biggest year so far for field improvements. Work included:
- Regrading fields and eliminating lips to improve safety and transitions.
- Adding clay and switching to a higher-quality calcined clay designed to perform better through weather swings.
- Using a soil additive to regulate moisture — described as similar to “kitty litter” in how it absorbs excess rainwater and releases it as the surface dries. Over two years, the district distributed 21 tons of this additive across 24 fields.
- Incorporating surfactants (materials that help water move more effectively through soil). So far, this has been used on about half of the fields, with good results.
Together, these steps are already making a difference. Ryerson noted that the park district canceled fewer games than average last year, an outcome tied directly to better drainage and more consistent playing surfaces.
What the Community Is Seeing: Better Surfaces, Better Drainage
Rob Novak, Northbrook Baseball opens in new tab Commissioner, shared that increased staffing and infrastructure investments over the past two to three seasons have noticeably improved field quality and drainage. Participant survey results at the end of the year echoed that progress with positive feedback. Looking ahead, affiliates said stronger facilities support a larger goal: growing kids’ involvement by making baseball and the overall experience more attractive for families.
Melissa Degnan, President of the Northbrook Girls Softball Association opens in new tab, highlighted how the upgrades affect day-to-day scheduling and player experience. In the past, the league sometimes had to wait two days to get back on the field after heavy rain. Now, teams are able to return much sooner. Players have also commented on improvements they can see and feel — especially the smoother transition and leveling between the infield dirt and outfield grass.
What’s Next
Superintendent Shea emphasized that one of the park district’s strengths is the breadth of its athletic programming—and that improving field conditions remains a priority for the benefit of the entire community. The stepped-up investment is helping make opening day smoother and building excitement for the seasons ahead. At the same time, staff made it clear the work isn’t done and additional improvements are planned in the coming seasons.
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Northbrook in 90+ is a companion podcast that expands upon the topics presented in our Northbrook in 90 video series.