Broughal Middle School new athletic fields can't host softball games

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

Bethlehem Area School Directors were surprised to learn tonight that Broughal Middle School's new fields can't host softball games.

The old Broughal Middle School was torn down to make way for the athletic fields despite protests from historic preservationists and residents who charged the fields would not meet regulations.

The one field was meant to be used for football, soccer, field hockey and softball games. The field is being used for the first time this school year.

A softball field could fit there but it presents many logistical challenges, said Mark Stein, district facilities director. A temporary softball backstop would have to be erected, there are not dugouts or protections for players on the sidelines and the field is all grass, Stein said.

Stein isn't keen on tearing up the new field but he said it is also not fair for softball players to have to play on all grass.

The district has arranged to spend $150 to use a Fountain Hill borough field for games and practices.

"It's a cheap solution," said Sudantha Vidanage, a school director.

But it left some directors feeling misled.

Director Irene Follweiler recalled being assured that the field could be used for all sports.

"It is very disheartening," she said.

Opponents of the fields argued back in 2009 that concrete retention walls around the field presented a danger, that they were extremely expensive and that they would not meet regulations. It cost about $6 million to tear down the school and create the fields.

Parents and students that supported the field fought back packing a 2009 board meeting urging them to move forward with demolition of the the school that dated back to 1915. They eventually prevailed.

The science and technology themed school opened in August of 2009 and demolition of the old school began later that fall.

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/bethlehem/index.ssf/2012/02/broughal_middle_school_new_ath.html