Long Island Ducks unveil new turf field as part of $2.33 million renovation at Fairfield Properties Ballpark

Say goodbye to grass at Long Island Ducks home games.

The Ducks announced on Monday the completion of their new turf field at Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip. Long Island is the eighth of 10 Atlantic League teams to adopt turf. York and Southern Maryland are the only two Atlantic League teams that still use grass.

“The new turf field will improve efficiency greatly, save millions of gallons of water per year, and be more environmentally friendly, eliminating the need for fertilizer and chemicals on the playing surface in future seasons,” Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said in a news release.

The announcement comes just over a month before the Ducks begin their 25th season on Long Island.

“The turf replacement and field renovations detailed in the release cost $2.33 million,” Peter Guaraldi, the deputy director of communications for Romaine, told Newsday.

The renovation includes full replacements of all playing surfaces at the ballpark, including the pitching mound, bullpens and the padded outfield wall. The Ducks partnered with LandTek to install the new turf field, the same company responsible for high school turf renovations at Westhampton Beach, St. Anthony’s, Uniondale, Sachem East, Baldwin and Valley Stream South.

“Keeping our ballpark atop the list of favored destinations for Major League players looking to continue their careers is important,” Ducks president and chief business officer Michael Pfaff said in a release. “This project, along with our commitment to keeping ticket prices affordable and parking free, allow us to continue to deliver on our promise of providing the most fun, fan friendly and affordable entertainment experience on Long Island.”

The Ducks open the season at Fairfield Properties Ballpark on April 25 against Lancaster at 6:35 p.m.