Hendersonville’s ballfields are getting a much-needed facelift just in time for the spring season - and it’s a move that could have a big impact on local baseball and softball.
The city’s Parks Department is installing turf infields at four fields across two major parks: three fields at Veterans Park and Field 5 at Drakes Creek Park. The upgrade is slated to wrap up before the 2026 spring sports season kicks off in February - a timeline that lines up perfectly with the start of league play.
For local teams, this isn’t just a cosmetic change - it’s a game-changer. Rainouts have long been a headache for leagues trying to stay on schedule, especially during the unpredictable Tennessee springs. Swapping out grass and dirt for turf means fewer cancellations, more consistent playing conditions, and a smoother experience for everyone from tee-ballers to high school standouts.
“This is a big deal for our local leagues,” said Parks and Recreation Director Andy Gilley. “Especially during the week in the spring, when we deal with so many rainouts. These turf fields will help us stay on schedule with games and practices.”
The decision to upgrade Field 5 at Drakes Creek Park wasn’t random - that field holds a special place in Hendersonville’s sports landscape. It’s the home field for Hendersonville High School softball, and it also serves as a showcase venue for youth baseball and softball tournaments. Meanwhile, Beech High School plays its home games at Veterans Park, meaning both schools - and the broader community - stand to benefit from the upgrades.
“Field 5 is kind of a showcase stadium field for us,” Gilley explained. “It’s where we host big youth tournaments, and it’s also where Hendersonville High plays. That made it a priority.”
From a maintenance standpoint, turf is a huge win for the Parks Department. With dirt fields, crews would have to bounce between parks to prep fields for games, dragging and lining each one manually. Turf eliminates much of that routine upkeep - and that means more time for crews to focus on other tasks.
“There may be some days now when our field crews don’t have to go to Veterans Park,” Gilley said. “They can stay at Drakes Creek and do other things. That’s a big help.”
The project is being funded through the city’s Public Safety, Infrastructure, Parks and Paving (PIPP) fund, with a total price tag of around $800,000. And while that’s a sizable investment, city officials are confident it’s one that residents will see - and feel - the benefits of right away.
“I think it’s always good when you can give tangible results to the community and show exactly where their money’s being spent,” Gilley said. “We’re able to do that with these turf field installs.”
Bottom line: this is more than just a surface-level upgrade. It’s a strategic investment in the future of Hendersonville’s youth sports - one that promises more games, fewer rainouts, and a better experience for players, coaches, and families alike.