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Falls Church (Va.) schools open new baseball field

Ribbon-cutting launches modern facility in Northern Virginia

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Falls Church City Public Schools officially opened its newly renovated Mustang Baseball Field on March 25 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony ahead of the season’s first home game, marking the completion of a multi-phase capital project in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

Superintendent Terry Dade, City Manager Wyatt Shields, and members of the City Council and School Board joined students, families, and project partners for the Athletic Boosters-hosted event. Meridian High School Athletic Director Joanna Quirine cut the ribbon, while Assistant Athletic Director and Assistant Baseball Coach PJ Anderson shared thanks on behalf of the team and families.

Vice Mayor Laura Downs, who served as School Board Chair when funding for the project was approved in fall 2023, threw out the ceremonial first pitch, linking the project’s approval to its delivery. FCCPS mascots joined the celebration, with Mustang Sally leading a run to the outfield before the first game began.

The project replaces a natural grass field with a fully enclosed synthetic turf facility, complete with renovated bleachers, a new press box, and an integrated fencing and netting system designed to enhance safety and spectator experience.

Construction included site grading, installation of a stormwater management system, and precision base work to support the turf system. A trajectory study and geotechnical analysis informed the design of a high netting system supported by deep foundations, requiring careful coordination during final installation.

“This project shows what’s possible when a clear vision is matched with strong coordination from start to finish,” said Tyler Grillo, Senior Project Manager at Brailsford & Dunlavey.

“It’s especially rewarding to see the field come to life on opening day,” added Aneura Phillips, Project Manager at Brailsford & Dunlavey. “This is a space the students and community will use and take pride in for years to come.”

B&D served as program manager, working with partners including HITT, FieldTurf, Long Fence, Dant Clayton, and Freestate Electric.

Located in Northern Virginia, the field now serves as both a home for student-athletes and a gathering place for the Falls Church community.