The problem

• The good news is that the DeWees Park football field in Baltimore’s Mid-Govans neighborhood was serving a valuable purpose. Six football teams and a cheerleading squad organized by the Northeast Youth Association regularly used the field, in addition to pre- and post-season bowl games, flag football leagues, instructional camps and community fairs. It was a quintessential neighborhood gathering spot. The bad news is the turf was taking a beating, drainage was terrible and at times it became a muddy mess.

The strategy

• The Northeast Youth Association, which provides structured recreational, mentoring and tutorial programs for 350 neighborhood young people, applied for and received a $100,000 grant from the Grassroots program. Coupled with a $50,000 grant from Baltimore’s Department of Recreation and Parks, the group was able to install new sod, an irrigation system, a scoreboard, a security fence and portable bleachers.

The result

• The DeWees Park field is better than ever. The irrigation system allows for more frequent play, the bleachers accommodate more parents and spectators, and an essential neighborhood institution has been preserved and strengthened. “If we expect our kids to participate in quality, structured after-school programs, we need facilities to support them,”� said Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley.