Point Park seeks long-term lease, proposes $1.2 million turf upgrade at Green Tree field

Point Park University officials presented a proposal to Green Tree Borough to replace the borough’s 30‑year‑old baseball field with artificial turf and to formalize a long‑term lease for the site.

Point Park Vice President of Athletics Scott Swank told council that the university wants a “long term lease moving forward between Green Tree and Point Park” and that the turf installation would serve college teams and the wider community. He said the university received a reimbursement grant of $225,000 and that the turf cost estimate is about $1,200,000. Swank said Point Park would be responsible for ongoing maintenance and replacement of the turf under the proposed arrangement.

Why it matters: Councilmembers pressed the university on who would pay for pre‑installation work such as drainage fixes, and whether the borough would be committed to future replacement costs. Point Park said the university expects responsibility for maintenance and replacement and asked for flexibility on naming rights to help close a funding gap.

Point Park described the field’s current condition and usage. Swank said Duquesne University originally built the field and that Point Park has used it for about 15 years; the field is roughly 30 years old. The presenters gave seasonal availability and reliability figures: for the 2025 college season Point Park scheduled 15 home games but played only four at the Green Tree field; in 2024 the team scheduled 23 games but played seven there. Swank argued artificial turf would make the field usable in a wider range of weather and increase community access year‑round.

University counsel Justin Dulecki told council that during final design a turf contractor may identify drainage issues that must be corrected before turf can be installed and “we would respectfully request for our assistance in covering those costs.” Coach Lauren Torres and Swank said turf typically lasts about 10 to 12 years with replacement of infill and underlying materials expected at that time; replacement estimates given in the presentation ranged from roughly $700,000 to $800,000 for a structurally sound field.

Council questions focused on: how many Point Park games and practices would be held at the field, the summer and high‑school use (Keystone Oaks is currently scheduled for spring games), how tournaments would be coordinated with borough events (the presenters said scheduling would be coordinated with the borough), and whether the borough would be asked to pay for drainage or other preparatory work (Point Park said those costs were uncertain and may be requested, but that turf installation, long‑term maintenance and replacement would be the university’s responsibility under the proposed lease).

No council vote was taken. Council members said they would take the presentation under advisement and follow up with staff for a recommendation. Several councilmembers asked the university to pursue a formal lease and for the borough to receive written cost estimates for any site repairs before any final commitment.

The university presentation included: cost estimate for turf installation (~$1,200,000); a grant reimbursement of $225,000 already awarded; a requested long‑term lease; a proposal that Point Park would assume future maintenance and replacement obligations; and an explicit request to be allowed to use naming rights to help fund the project. The presenters emphasized that timing is tentative and that a prevailing‑wage determination and other grant compliance steps remain to be completed.

Council follow‑up: Borough staff and council requested written cost and scope estimates, an architect’s assessment of drainage and site work required before turf installation, and the draft lease language specifying maintenance and replacement obligations. Council did not authorize funding or sign any agreement during the meeting.