Plans for ball complex at middle school back on target

Plans for a baseball and softball complex at John Long Middle School in Grafton are once again moving forward after the project was paused due to the coronavirus pandemic.

School District Business Services Director Topher Adams told the School Board on Monday, Nov. 23, that funds are now available after the district had to alter its budget to account for coronavirus expenses.

“There were issues regarding the upcoming budget, particularly around an upcoming budget-repair bill as well as Covid-19 expenses,” Adams said.

“Fast-forwarding to today, we have settled the budget issues for this year, and we are ready to move forward.”

In the fall of 2018, the board set aside $800,000 to upgrade the John Long Middle School fields in May 2019. 

Last spring, synthetic turf and backstops were installed at the varsity baseball and softball fields, an upgrade that cost $512,884. The remaining money will be used for the junior-varsity fields installation.

In April, the board did not accept a bid for the JV fields construction because of uncertainties regarding the 2020-21 budget. That work would have cost $262,000.

“During the last seven months, the district has gained clarity on and approved a final budget for 2020-21,” Adams said.

“With the budget issue in our rear-view mirror, the administration is looking to move forward with rebidding the JV baseball field project.”

During construction, Grafton High School’s JV teams may play at Centennial Park or have a heavy road schedule during the early portion of the season, Adams said.

The board unanimously agreed to bid the work for the JV fields.

Adams said the complex is expected to be ready for play by the 2022 spring season.  

“We look forward to receiving the bids or contracts for the work,” School Board President Paul Lorge said.