Woodridge Local Schools to undergo $1.1M athletic facilities upgrade

(Photo: Woodridge Local Schools)

(Photo: Woodridge Local Schools)

Woodridge Local Schools, Peninsula, Ohio, will undergo a $1.1 million upgrade to modernize its track surface, softball fields and football field in May of this year.

The upgrade will level out dips in the track surface, refurbish the long jump runway and pole vault area, add new bleachers at the softball fields and install artificial turf that will cover Lahoski Field.

“The idea that turf is a luxury is slowly going away at our level and in our region,” Nick Mayer, the athletic and activities director for Woodridge Local Schools, said. “With turf, we are able to aesthetically upgrade the facility and increase the playability of the surface to allow for a large volume of events to be played at a high level supported by feasible maintenance.”

Tom Morehouse, the district treasurer for Woodridge Local Schools, said the artificial turf would cost about $987,000. Funds to cover project costs will come out of the district capital budget, facilitated through a partnership with Huntington Bank in what Morehouse described as a “lend-lease agreement.”

Despite all of the upgrades, Mayer said there will not be a halt to any sports during construction.

“The majority of our events and practices during this time will be unaffected. We will have a limited number of early-season games in the fall, and we will play scrimmages off-site,” Mayer said. “Our track teams practice elsewhere.”

Installation of additional softball field bleachers along the third-base line will also take place to match those behind the home plate. The field will also receive an upgraded public address system.

Additional improvements include “a major bathroom renovation” at the stadium and the construction of a new water line into the complex. Trees growing around the complex will undergo a cosmetic change and cut back to ensure none are encroaching upon the backstop.

Construction will begin resurfacing when the current track season ends. The project will finish in August of this year.

“Our students, coaches, families and community are all extremely excited about the news,” Mayer said. “Our stadium is a great point of pride in our community. With these upgrades, that will only be more prominent and will upgrade the facility to its best playing potential.”