Spectacular Athletic Fields Project Wins Fence Industry Design Award
The Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute (CLFMI) has announced that the 2015 Les Grube Memorial Design Award has been given to architect Bruce Dees and Associates, Tacoma, Washington and the Sea West Construction Company, Seattle, for their work on the Browns Point Athletic Fields Project in Tacoma.
Brown Point Park Fields in Tacoma, Washington, serve a dual purpose—functioning as elementary school playfields during school hours and transforming into community park fields after school and on weekends. This shared-use design ensures the space remains a vibrant and active part of the neighborhood every day of the week.
A standout feature of the park is the innovative chain link baseball and soccer backstops, which break up the otherwise flat, open landscape with both form and function. The baseball backstops are built with a 15° slope toward the field, an intentional design that redirects foul balls rolling up the back wall back into play. Without this slope, balls would easily roll over the backstop wall and onto the pedestrian walkway behind the field, creating safety hazards and interruptions.
This same 15° angle is echoed along each wing of the backstop, stepping down in a rhythmic pattern that enhances the visual appeal while reinforcing its functional design. The treated 2×12 plank backboards serve as a sturdy, visual base, completing the structure with a clean and purposeful look. In addition, the backstop posts double as supports for the dugout roof, which is constructed with a continuous longitudinal slope. The result is a series of complementary and functional design elements that also stand as artistic features, blending safety and aesthetics for the enjoyment of all park visitors.
The framework is built from Schedule 40, 4.0” OD posts with 1.66” OD rails. 9-gauge chain link fabric is attached to posts and rails at 6-inch intervals behind home plate and 12-inch intervals elsewhere. This combination of chain link fabric and steel framing provides both structural durability and design flexibility, allowing for the creation of unique, strong, and long-lasting forms.
The CLFMI Les Grube Memorial Design Award, named for past CLFMI President and fence industry pioneer Les Grube, recognizes such projects. Winning architects receive a $2,500 award and a custom plaque, while installing contractors are awarded $1,000 and a matching plaque in honor of their exceptional contributions.
