News Summary

The Edwardsville District 7 School Board has approved a $2.3 million contract for updates to the Winston Brown Track and Field Complex and softball field. After a 6-1 vote, the board secured funding over three years from the Operations and Maintenance Fund. The contract was awarded to Byrne and Jones, the lowest bidder, to address drainage and safety concerns. Upgrades are set to begin this June, improving conditions for athletes and bringing the facilities up to standard with local competitors.

Edwardsville School Board Approves $2.3 Million Contract for New Track and Softball Field Turf

In a big move for Edwardsville, the District 7 School Board has just greenlit a fresh contract worth $2.3 million aimed at sprucing up the Winston Brown Track and Field Complex and the Edwardsville High School softball field. After a decisive vote of 6-1, the board members are excited about the upgrades, which will go a long way in addressing some long-standing safety and drainage issues. The lone dissenting vote came from board member Scott Ahart.

This approval comes hot on the heels of a previous vote that turned down a similar proposal just two weeks ago. The funds for this project will be spread over the next three years, sourced directly from the district’s Operations and Maintenance Fund. Such planning is essential as it ensures that the investment is manageable while still moving forward with necessary repairs and updates.

Lowest Bid Wins

The board awarded the contract to Byrne and Jones, who came in with the lowest bid at $2,329,259. The other two proposals were significantly higher, at $2,838,770 and $2,672,000. It’s a relief for the district to find a reasonable option that meets their needs without breaking the bank.

Timing for Upgrades

Upgrading discussions for the softball field kicked off in the Fall of 2023 and were revisited during a board retreat on June 13, 2024. The plan is to start on June 1 for the new track surface and turf for the infield, with the softball field upgrade expected to kick off on September 19. These upgrades are not just cosmetic but aim to provide a safer, more functional environment for both track and field athletes and softball players alike.

Addressing Safety Concerns

Both facilities have been facing long-standing drainage and safety issues. The track, in particular, has only seen two resurfacing jobs since its opening in 1997. Athletes, coaches, and community members will likely agree that these updates are crucial for enhancing performance and safety during competitions and practices.

A Call for Improved Facilities

Coach Chad Lakatos highlighted the critical need for maintaining and improving athletic facilities. Current conditions are impacting the capabilities of the track and field programs, and it’s clear that these upgrades will help level the playing field for Edwardsville athletes. As it stands, Edwardsville is also notably the only school in its conference without updated turf at its softball field—a situation that has left them lagging behind local competitors.

Longer-Term Needs

The conversation around turf for the softball field has been ongoing since 2015, and while local booster clubs have stepped in with financial support, the district recognizes the need for greater backing to make this happen. Right now, drainage problems are forcing teams to train in less-than-ideal conditions, sometimes disrupting practices and even necessitating the rental of external fields for games.

Community Support vs. Budget Cuts

Despite community fundraising efforts for the athletic facilities, there are still concerns regarding potential teacher cuts and ongoing budget constraints. Coach Caty Happe has expressed worries about whether the softball field project should have higher priority amid these pressing financial discussions. The importance of consistent district investment cannot be understated if Edwardsville aims to enhance both capabilities and safety for its student-athletes.

In summary, this $2.3 million contract marks an exciting step forward for the Edwardsville school community. The hopes are high that these upgrades will rejuvenate the athletic facilities, making them safer and more modern for all the talented athletes in the area.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

LIVE BALL Resources

Additional Resources