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NORWIN BASEBALL FIELD RENOVATIONS PROVIDE QUALITY AND DURABILITY FOR DEFENDING WPIAL CHAMPIONS
Beginning with the spring 2017 baseball season , the defending WPIAL Champion Norwin Knights Varsity Baseball Team began playing on an improved home field that features a synthetic turf infield with an improved drainage system , a relocated and higher outfield fence , and a newly constructed pitcher ’ s mound . In addition , the outfield has been coreaerified , with fertilizer added and weed control applications performed .
The infield of the baseball field had been showing signs of wear , and the outfield fence area was starting to shift , exposing concrete at the base of the fence posts . After discussion and planning , Norwin School District decided that an artificial turf infield would provide a safe , economical playing area for student-athletes . Crews began work in October and had the field ready for the opening pitch on March 29 , 2017 . With the installation of the turf and new drainage system for the infield , the field is available more often and the safety concerns of a wet or muddy infield have been greatly reduced , said Mr . Walt Lehman , Director of Facilities and Property Services . Rescheduling of games resulting from weather or poor field conditions was minimal this spring .
“ As any Facilities Director or Grounds Crew in Southwestern Pennsylvania will attest , the preparation of athletic fields for spring sports is extremely difficult ,” Mr . Lehman said . “ Manpower is always difficult , weather conditions are ever changing , and the cost of trying to make a field playable after the spring rains can be quite costly . With the turf , all these costs and concerns have been drastically reduced . In the end , from my perspective , the increased safety , functional use , and reduction in routine maintenance were the most significant factors and benefits in recommending the artificial turf .”
“ It is our hope that the field will continue to provide the necessary functionality for not only our school teams but also for the community groups as well for years to come ,” Mr . Lehman added .
Also , when the turf infield was installed , it was relocated so the outfield fence could be relocated to a more stabilized area of the outfield . The stadium grounds crew has been able to provide the necessary maintenance to get the field ready for games .
Mr . Brandon Rapp , Director of Athletics and Student Activities , said the renovations addressed previous safety concerns with the field and have provided the Norwin program with a state-of-the-art playing surface .
“ I commend the District leadership ( Board of Education and Administration ) and those within the Baseball Program for working to acquire the new playing field ,” Mr . Rapp said . “ The benefits to the program and our student-athletes are tremendous and I look forward to the continued success of the program in the years to come .”
NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
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Seniors on the mound