BISMARCK, ND ( KXNET ) — The baseball field at Bismarck’s Municipal Ballpark is a huge space of dug up dirt right now. However, this fall, Bismarck Parks and Recreation plans to lay down artificial turf to replace the natural grass that was removed.

For over a century, several different Bismarck teams have played their home games on the natural grass outfield of the ballpark, which was first built in 1921. The $2.2 million construction work on replacing the grass with artificial turf is the latest big project since the last major renovation to the ballpark was completed in 2014.

Municipal Ballpark is currently the home of the Bismarck Larks; it also hosts games for several high schools and colleges in the area. Bismarck Parks and Recreation Executive Director Kevin Klipfel, says the new artificial turf field will provide a better playing surface for all teams that use it.

“University of Mary and Bismarck State College start their games in late March, and the artificial turf would provide the opportunity to get on the field a little bit earlier,” said Klipfel.

Unlike natural grass, which can be easily damaged when playing games after wet spring storms, Klipfel says the artificial turf will hold up better to the elements and be easier to maintain year-round. He also says that it will benefit the teams that play some of their games into the early fall.

Klipfel adds that they’ve received a one-million-dollar grant to help pay for the field renovation, and they also plan to add a batter’s eye and expand the ticket booth at the stadium. If there is good weather this fall, Klipfel hopes they’ll have the new artificial turf laid by next spring before the start of the next baseball season.

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