Problems become Opportunities

More ball fields have been approved for the expansion of the Becker Athletic Complex (BAC) as the development of the project continues. As you may know the city had acquired approximately 7 acres of property to the south of the present ball field complex known as the BAC. This property was on the other side of the parking area. The project as originally approved provided for 3 football/soccer fields to be developed with irrigation to provide more green space. In an earlier blog I had discussed in more detail the project as a whole.

In accomplishing the construction of the project a contractor will typically salvage the top soil by stripping it off and saving it for final application before seeding. In planning for this step we had determined there was approximately 12 inches of top soil throughout the site. Once scrapers and dozers were on the site it was found in the areas closest to the trees on the west side that we had roughly twice the thickness of top soil material. With this additional material we had a problem and an opportunity. The problem was we had more top soil than was needed on the project and we had to move it someplace. The opportunity was we had a space that could be utilized for some junior ball fields and using this material in that manner was a constructive option.

With the construction of the project we had taken out two junior ball fields that were established in the 7 acre parcel. We had salvaged the lime material used in the infield for later use. Now we had additional top soil. Having a vacant area that had been considered for junior ball field use in the future collided into the possibilities that perhaps we can make this happen now.

With a small amount of effort and additional funds the junior ball fields could be replaced. We also have the irrigation line running adjacent to the area and so watering of the fields was a possibility. The proposal included the trucking and spreading of the top soil from one area to another. We also looked at a small extension of the irrigation system to provide for a “center” pivot irrigation head that would water both junior ball areas. Seeding would need to be provided as well bringing the total estimated cost at $6,000 for the additional work. These costs will come out of the contingency amount for the project so funding was available. The additional expense was approved.

Looking at the total project, it is anticipated that seeding for all areas will occur in the next few weeks. We’ll get some growth yet this year. Growth will need to continue next season to fully establish the fields into playable turf. With any luck we’ll have suitable conditions for play next fall but in the worse case we’re in business for the spring of 2010.