Safety at the ballpark doesn't happen by accident. It's built in from the first sketch. In this installment of Building Better Ballparks, USS President Ron Dubas breaks down how smart design decisions protect players, fans, and staff, from netting and padding to dugouts and beyond.

USS President Ron Dubas breaks down why shade structures are a must for outdoor athletic facilities — protecting athletes and fans from heat illness and UV exposure while improving performance, comfort, and equipment longevity.

USS President Ron Dubas explains why wall padding is a non-negotiable safety feature for athletic facilities — reducing injury risk, meeting ASTM/NFHS/NCAA standards, and protecting your investment in the space.

USS President Ron Dubas breaks down why sideline netting extensions have become a must-have safety standard — protecting spectators from fast-moving foul balls without compromising sightlines or game-day experience.

USS President Ron Dubas explores where athletic facility design is headed — climate resilience, flexible multi-use spaces, smarter technology, and safety built in from day one — and why the best facilities are designed for what's next, not just what's now.

USS President Ron Dubas introduces Building Better Ballparks, a new monthly series sharing lessons from real projects on designing safer, smarter athletic facilities that serve communities for decades to come.