What was once a dusty, uneven patch of ground at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution is now well on its way to becoming a vibrant softball and soccer field.
In summer 2024, DRCI set out to transform its lower yard from a worn, unsafe space into a safe, welcoming recreation area.
Fortunately, DRCI has one of the best physical plant teams in the state—maybe even the world. With careful planning, countless phone calls, and a dedicated crew of volunteer AICs, the team cleared the yard of grass and potholes in fall 2024. Over the winter, they worked closely with vendors and paving companies to line up equipment and materials.
By spring 2025, the yard was tilled and ready for sod, with sprinkler systems repaired and running. In May, AIC volunteers and the physical plant crew removed tons of rocks—literally—before K-3 Construction installed a blacktop running track. Soon after, pallets of fresh sod from McPheeters Turf rolled in.
The crew’s pace was impressive—laying a pallet every 7–8 minutes and keeping the vendor hustling to keep up. In just three days, the field was fully sodded, and the physical plant team began tending the new grass to help it thrive.
A few finishing touches remain, but the result is already clear: a vibrant, safe, and functional space for the entire institution to enjoy. Just as importantly, about 90 AICs walked away with a deeper understanding of what dedication can accomplish—and how those same skills can help build a brighter future.
