A giant plant, all 108,000 square feet of it, has been taking root in Depew Park since Saturday. The plant, which is sod, is putting down roots and will be ready for activities by the beginning of June, said Mike Valentine of DeRosa Sports Construction, the company awarded the contract to install the field at Depew.
“More fields get ruined by people using it prematurely,” he added, saying the sod needs two growing seasons to acclimate to its new environment.
The grass can last up to 20 years if it’s allowed to get strong root systems in place that will allow it to regenerate. The longevity of the grass is determined by its root system and the maintenance it receives, said Valentine, who has been with the third generation family-owned business for 24 years.
The grass or sod is grown at Delea Farms on Long Island and is the same turf used in Yankee Stadium. There were multiple deliveries of the sod to Depew Park, and it was installed during four days last week. “The weather cooperated,” said Valentine about the Depew Park job. Temperature, rain, clouds and sun all play a part in how the job of laying the sod out progresses. “This time of year is better to get it down because the sun isn’t as intense and the nights and days are cooler.” He added the roots will begin growing now before winter.
The running track that rings the field will be asphalt, and Valentine said they are anticipating laying it down before December. The track will not have the rubber coating that the track at Torpy Field has. DeRosa Construction also installed that field for Peekskill City School District. Alongside the track in Depew Park, grass seed is planted. Because of that, the entire field will be fenced off until the sod is ready to be used.
Valentine and his crew will be monitoring and assessing how the grass is growing. “There are a lot of people who will make the decision about when the field can be open,” said Valentine. “I’m not the last word on it.”
Alongside the field which will be used for soccer, football and lacrosse games, a new volleyball court was installed.
In June of 2021 the city learned it was awarded a million dollar grant from the state to upgrade recreational aspects of Depew Park. Peekskill City Council member Ramon Fernandez worked closely with former State Assemblymember Sandy Galef in securing the funding, which will also bring new pickleball courts and restore long-neglected tennis and basketball courts at the north end of the park.
