On March 30, 2008, the renovated Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., reopened as the first major stadium in the U.S. accredited as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Structure. Larry DiVito, head groundskeeper with the Washington Nationals, took part in choosing the makeup of the field including grass and field additives. With objectives to save money and conserve water while keeping the ground moist, DiVito chose Turface Athletics^™ products as his infield and outfield soil solutions.

In the sand-based outfield, DiVito applied Profile^™ Greens Grade^™ blended at the root zone for soil conditioning. By adding Profile^™ products to the turf, DiVito knew he would conserve nutrients and fertilizer.

“I was very involved from the start of the new stadium,” said DiVito. “The new field holds more water and nutrients and we haven’t spent as much on fertilizer. Even though we had a rainy spring, my instinct tells me the Profile Greens Grade product helps us save water as well.”

In the new stadium infield, DiVito blended Turface^® MVP^® with Turface^® Pro League^® on top.  DiVito knew that Turface products would give more consistency in the moisture balance.

“Turface keeps the infield mix from drying out and keeps the soil moist underneath to provide better ball hops,” stated DiVito. “It definitely allows us to play through more rain. We have improved water movement with Turface Pro League on top.”

Nationals Park is not only a baseball venue. DiVito needed solutions that would support the field through concerts, as well as a visit from the Pope.

“Not long after the park opened, the Pope held audience to more than 40,000 spectators,” said DiVito. “The grounds held up well and the field was moist underneath. Turface products help retain moisture and provide better oxygen for the field.”

In total, DiVito has spent 14 years as a groundskeeper in professional baseball, including seven years with the Pawtucket, R.I., Red Sox, and four years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He consistently turns to Profile products to ensure his infields and natural grass fields remain safe and playable.

On October 21, 2008, Nationals Park hosts a Keep America Playing^™ national tour event. The Keep America Playing Tour is a comprehensive field education program that gives those responsible for sports field maintenance the resources and knowledge to keep fields safe, playable and in peak condition. On-field sessions educate attendees on topics such as game-day preparation, turf management, as well as mound and home-plate construction and maintenance. Appearances by professional sports field managers also take place, and Larry DiVito will be a guest speaker during the event at Nationals Park.

For over 40 years, Profile products have been used on more sports fields than any other brand. Turface MVP and Pro League continue to keep fields safe and playable utilizing innovative soil solutions. For more information about Profile Products, call (800) 207-6457 or visit www.profileproducts.com.