Willie Mays Park Restored by BrightView to Honor a Legend’s Legacy

Almost exactly one year after the passing of baseball legend Willie Mays, the field that bears his name in Fairfield, Ala., has reopened with a fresh look and renewed purpose. The revitalized field, featuring a new playing surface built by BrightView, was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 19 as part of the East-West Classic, Major League Baseball’s tribute to the Negro Leagues All-Star Games held from 1933 to 1962, at historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham.
Originally constructed following World War II, the field was renamed in the 1970s to honor Mays, a native of Fairfield. In the decades since, however, the park deteriorated and fell into disrepair. The diamond was overrun with clumps of grass, the dugouts were crumbling, and the outfield was covered in weeds.
“Willie Mays was one of the game’s greatest ambassadors and we were honored to help breathe new life into the field that carries his name,” said Murray Cook, President of BrightView Sports Turf. “Restoring this field meant more than just improving the surface—it was about restoring pride to the community and giving children a place to play again.”
A full transformation of the field took place over a three-week period from May to June. Astroturf was installed in the infield to ensure durability and reduce maintenance demands, especially during Alabama’s hot summers. Portions of the outfield were stripped and resodded and the fencing painted, helping to give the ballpark a fresh look.
The bleachers, dugouts, and sidewalks were pressure-washed and cleaned, and the dugout received a fresh coat of paint, rounding out the facelift.
“This was a total group effort from my BrightView team, MLB, A.G. Gaston, the city of Fairfield, Astroturf, and lots of local services in Alabama,” Cook said. “Our crew put in long hours to make sure the field would be something the community could be proud of, and a place where future generations can play and dream, just like Willie Mays did.”
Local interest in the upgraded facility has surged. Organizations, such as the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club, Miles College, and the local NIKE RBI program, have already expressed interest in using the field.
The June 19 ribbon cutting included local leaders and politicians, May’s son Michael Mays, and many former MLB players who were participating in the East-West Classic at nearby Rickwood Field (which was renovated last year by BrightView).
“When we pitched the idea last year to see if an area youth field could be renovated as part of the Rickwood Game, we were so excited when Major League Baseball suggested Willie Mays Park as a potential site,” Cook said. “This field honors a legend while giving young players a first-class place to grow their love for the game. It has all been incredibly meaningful for our team.”
