Support M-E Outdoor Practice Facility Upgrade

Proposal

Upgrade the current M-E High baseball facility to similar standard that exists within other school districts in the Greater Binghamton area. Upgrades include installation of a new all-purpose playing surface, replacement of the existing dugouts, installation of new field house (equipment storage facility), fencing, backstop, press box and scoreboard.

Background

Existing surface has had only minor repairs or upgrades in 30 years. Existing surface requires daily maintenance during the season. Existing surface requires substantial pre-season work for preparation for high school season play. Adulation's in the existing surface are at issue. Drainage and slope of the existing surface are also not correct. Dugouts are utilized as storage sheds and are not 100% weather resistant. Fencing is beginning to weather and deform. Currently, a press box does not exist. The scoreboard is outdated with minimal functionality.

Utilization

The installation of an all-purpose surface on the existing baseball field would provide flexibility as well as options. The benefit to the baseball program would be instant and obvious. Outside of baseball season, the all-purpose field could be utilized for fall sports practice like modified football or soccer which would eliminate the need to transport the 7th and 8th graders to Maine Memorial for practice reducing traffic on the game surface. Boy’s and girl’s soccer, girl’s field hockey, softball and the band would also be able to utilize the surface for practice. This too would reduce the late evening conclusions of practices and contain as many teams at the high school facility as possible.

Currently, the baseball infield is cordoned off keeping football practices off the infield. This preventive measure protects the infield from being destroyed. However, does nothing for the excessive wear the outfield takes during football. Over the short term, the football teams will continue to utilize the baseball outfield for practices due to the capital project. Even after the capital project is completed, the football program will continue to utilize this space due to the lack of adequate practice facilities.

Beside the benefit of a game ready surface for the baseball program, the need to cut & edge grass, over seed, weed control, field mark the base paths, dragging the infield and preparing the field after a rain (Speedi-dry, hand raking, etc…) would be eliminated. The current maintenance and ground staff would be freed up to perform other duties. During season, this would eliminate 18 - 20 hours each week. With the installation of an all-purpose surface, all regular season home games & early season rain out games would be eliminated completely.

Existing playing field is not utilized during the school year for daily activities like physical education classes. With the installation of an all-purpose surface that is designed with a removable mound, the physical education department would have additional class space and the ability to conduct class outside in the spring and fall on days where rain isn’t a factor.

Many tax payers are disappointed that upgrading the baseball field was not included in the approved capital project. There are several tangible and intangible reasons for moving forward to approve the installation of an all-purpose surface on the baseball field. The Maine-Endwell School District is in desperate need of outdoor practice facilities. As noted, every student at the high school and several at the middle school could realize the use and benefit of installing an all-purpose surface. Once the weather becomes conducive, spring programs can begin practices, fall programs would have another practice facility, field maintenance would be reduced and the district would realize a savings in transportation and field upkeep.