At a specially noticed meeting, district staff recommended replacing the Sparta High School baseball infield and the board voted 7‑0 to approve Option 3 — a full infield replacement — and to fund the work from referendum funds.
Administration said the main immediate needs are correcting the pitcher’s mound and home‑plate areas and addressing infield drainage and ’turtleback’ grades that cause playability and safety issues. The vendor Midwest Athletics was recommended to perform infield grading, reconstruct the pitcher’s mound and home plate, and — under Option 3 — remove and replace the infield grass and surfacing to use a grass variety that tolerates short mowing and improves drainage.
District staff and the vendor told the board performing the full infield replacement while the contractor is on site is more cost efficient than doing incremental repairs now and returning later. Staff said the work would include training for district maintenance staff on annual care and best practices.
Board members asked about impacts on master‑plan work and whether future construction would require redoing the infield; staff said the recommended work is compatible with the district master plan and should not force reconfiguration during anticipated future projects. Board members also discussed outreach to user groups such as American Legion for cost sharing and noted that a full replacement would reduce canceled games and scheduling disruptions.
A motion to approve Option 3 — replacement of the full infield — was made by Dr. Burnett, seconded by Mr. Burns Gilbert, and carried by voice vote with the board recording a 7‑0 motion carry.
Staff said further details, including schedule and final contract terms, will be brought back to the board for final execution.