by Erin Edwards
The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) hosted a hands-on Field Maintenance Clinic at Highland Park for local park staff to cultivate new skills in field management on Sept. 23. This event was part of LADF’s ongoing commitment to supporting local parks and communities through its Dodgers Dreamfields program.
The clinic brought together over 60 participants from 35 parks across Los Angeles, giving park crews and staff the tools and knowledge to keep fields safe and playable for young athletes. Topics covered prepping infield and outfield lips, compacting home plate and the pitcher’s mound, proper watering techniques for infields and effective turf management.
The Dodgers Dreamfields program refurbishes and maintains baseball and softball fields in underserved areas, aims to provide safe, quality spaces for youth to play and thrive. As part of that mission, this clinic equipped park staff with essential skills to ensure these fields remain in top condition.
Participants were thrilled by the opportunity to learn directly from an expert like Jordan Lorenz, director of turf and grounds for the Dodgers.
“It felt like I could go out on the Dodger field and help the crew out myself,” Mathew M. said.
The practical insights from Lorenz’s years of experience resonated with attendees: “He is s very knowledgeable and has lots of experience,” Edward R. said. “He had an answer for every question I asked.”
The Dodgers Dreamfield Field Maintenance Clinic is just one example of LADF’s broader efforts to foster community engagement and improve access to quality recreational spaces. Through the Dodgers Dreamfields program, LADF has already revitalized 63 fields, with a goal of completing 75 by 2033 to commemorate the Dodgers’ 75th anniversary in Los Angeles. Fields 64 and 65 are set to be unveiled next year at Jim Thorpe Park in the City of Hawthorne.
By empowering local park staff with the skills needed to maintain these fields, LADF ensures that Dodgers Dreamfields continue as a source of community pride and a long-term investment in the future of youth sports across Los Angeles.
Check out photos from the clinic below, showcasing the impactful day of learning and collaboration!
To learn more and to get involved, visit Dodgers.com/DodgersDreamfields.
Dodgers Dreamfields Field Maintenance Clinic led by Dodgers Turf and Grounds was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.