Committee explores retrofitting QMBB field for softball amid budget strain and scheduling conflicts

Committee members on April 8 debated whether the QMBB field (and other multi-purpose fields) could be retrofitted to accommodate a softball field as a near-term response to repeatedly waterlogged softball facilities.

Mr. Lakona reviewed current spring use of QMBB: softball practices moved to turf early in the season when dirt fields were underwater, and the field is shared for flag football and boys/girls lacrosse. Members noted external user groups such as PA Rush and LVU Rush that hold guaranteed hours on district fields and said any retrofit must account for existing bookings and community agreements.

Concerns raised included lighting suitability (current lighting configured for lacrosse/soccer rather than softball sightlines), dugout and outfield fence placement, and the contractually limited practice windows currently in use at some venues. A committee member pointed out that adding lights or making other retrofits increases project cost but could still be less expensive than building a new separate field.

Several members stressed the district’s budget context: a facilities presentation to the committee the next day was expected to show a multi-million-dollar package (roughly $4.7–$4.8 million), and the district is projecting a deficit that will require difficult tradeoffs among cuts, taxes, fund balance use or added debt service. Committee direction was to have staff gather quotes, clarify scheduling impacts with external partners, and return with cost estimates and funding options to the facilities and finance committees.

No formal decision to retrofit was made; staff were asked to collect data and report back.