Groundskeeper says ballpark grass will be safe from crowds

Published: 2008-04-15

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Despite the likelihood of some 5,000 pairs of feet tromping on top of the field at the brand-new Nationals Park in Washington -- quite a few more than on the field during baseball games -- the grass underneath their feet will stay safe, healthy and green for the ballplayers and the pleasure of their fans. So said Nationals Park head groundskeeper Larry DiVito, now in his third year tending the green, green grass of home for the Washington Nationals of the National League. The trick to it all is that the faithful attending the April 17 morning Mass at the stadium won't really be walking directly on the turf. Instead, they'll be walking on top of plastic flooring. The infield grass, for instance, will be covered by a plastic flooring bearing the coat of arms of Pope Benedict XVI, main celebrant of the ballpark Mass. "It's pretty industry-standard stuff that's used for concerts," DiVito said in an April 14 telephone interview with Catholic News Service. "The grass is able to breathe. ... The grass won't be dead. It helps that we're doing it in April. In July it's much more difficult" to maintain the field, DiVito said.

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