Amid controversy, Palisades Credit Union Park (originally known as Provident Bank Park) opened in June of 2011. There had been protests and lawsuits from the Preserve Ramapo group from the day the project started, but ultimately these never slowed the progress of the ballpark construction. While there was clearly some shady business going on which led to the ballpark being built, it has been successful, though probably not to the extent which was promised by government officials. Located about 1 hour north of New York City, Palisades Credit Union Park is located in affluent Rockland County (hence the name of the team). Despite only being built for the independent Can-Am League (which did not have any glitzy ballparks prior to this one being built), this park is clearly good enough to host higher levels of baseball - close to being on par with many AA facilities.
Hits
- The 360 degree concourse which overlooks the field provides numerous places to watch the game from. Along the outfield concourse, there are counters to stand at as well.
- There is plenty to do for kids here. From the large playground to the "B" train to the mini golf course (new in 2017), there is no reason for kids to get bored if they don't like baseball.
- The "Bridge Bar", located in the left field corner, is an area open to everyone where fans can watch the game at field level. The design of the bridge is reminiscent of those on the nearby Palisades Parkway.
- The "Short Porch" behind the right field fence, which is only for groups, contains both regular seats and picnic tables as well as a covered area with big screen TVs.
- The "Dugout of Dreams", which is essentially an extension of the home dugout, is an area where up to 30 people can have a party. This is very similar to what that have at Fluor Field in Greenville, SC.
- There is lots of stonework throughout the park, something rarely seen at a minor league ballpark. Besides the aforementioned bridge made of stone, the backstop and open air suites (loge seats) have a similar stone finish. It definitely gives the ballpark an elegant feel.
- The main seating bowl is made up of all green chairs, while in the outfield there are bleacher seats in left field and "pavilion" seats in right-center. Strangely, the team does not seem to sell these pavilion seats, so apparently they are available for anyone to sit in.
- Along the infield, there are loge seats, which are essentially like open-air luxury boxes. They each have a refrigerator and hold about 10 people.
- For a new ballpark, the atmosphere is surprisingly laid back - there is not much music played (except between innings) and almost no sound effects. The team has a mascot, Boulder Bird, but he stays on the concourse most of the game and doesn't distract the fans too much.
Misses
- One feature missing here is a grassy berm, but with a large playground and a very spacious concourse, kids will still have plenty of places to run around. Still, I wonder if they would have been better off putting a berm in left field rather than the bleachers which get very little use.
- Being in an affluent area, the prices tend to be on the high side. Parking is $5 and most of the tickets are $15 (or $16 on fireworks nights). While a small program is available for free, a flimsy scorecard costs a buck.
- There are many open spaces on the concourse which could use some tables for fans to sit at. While the team has added some over the years, the ballpark could use more.
Eats
- Concessions were a bit limited in the first year of the ballpark, but have improved over the years. Their signature item during the first season was the "Boulders on a Bun" (a meatball sub), but that is no longer offered.
- There are several different specialty burgers and dogs available. While the quality is good, the team forces fans to buy "baskets" (which include a burger or dog and fries) rather than just being able to buy items a la carte. With these baskets going for $8.50, there is no way to eat cheap here.
- Pizza is available from Kinchley's, which is a local restaurant. It is the thin crust variety and frankly does not look at all appealing (though I have never actually tried it).
- There is one kosher stand as the area does have a large Jewish population that they are obviously trying to cater to.
- A stand in the right field corner (next to the playground) has rotated among different things - it was Mexican one year and in 2017 it changed to teriyaki chicken.
- A Moe's Southwest Grill stand was added in 2017, but was not open for all games.
- For frozen treats, the team offer Dippin Dots, Rita's Italian Ice, as well as hard ice cream.
Palisades Credit Union Park has been the class of the Can-Am League since the day it opened in 2011. While crowds could be better, the Boulders are perennially at the top of the attendance standings in the league. Still, it doesn’t feel like the area has fully embraced independent baseball, and probably never will. One can’t help but to wonder if the park would be packed every night if an affiliated team was playing here. Despite this, Palisades Credit Union Park is still a fun (albeit expensive) place to take in a game.
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