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City presents $7.9 million Kettering Fields sports complex improvements; contractors and designers outline scope
Summary
City staff and the project team presented plans and a recommended $7.9 million construction contract for phase 1 improvements at Kettering Fields Sports Complex, including turf fields, new lighting, pickleball courts and a 3,000-square-foot support building; no final contract vote was recorded at the meeting.
City officials and design consultants on Wednesday presented refined plans for phase 1 of the Kettering Fields Sports Complex and identified Ohio Irrigation (doing business as O'Hail Site Solutions) as the apparent low and best bidder on a proposed $7,900,000 construction contract.
City staff introduced the item as a major component of phase 1 work at the complex and said two bids were received; Ohio Irrigation was selected as the lowest and best bidder. Passaro Associates — represented by Jeff Bonecutter and project architect James Link — presented the site's proposed layout, including pedestrian circulation, parking, a 3,000-square-foot administration and restroom building, and upgraded athletic facilities.
Planned improvements summarized by the consultant and staff include: replacement or upgrade of five turf infields; installation of six pickleball courts; two new multi-purpose grass fields; LED lighting for athletic fields, parking areas and Centennial Field; upgrades to the existing five-plex softball diamonds; and improved pedestrian paths separated from vehicular parking.
Funding and procurement: staff said some project funding will come from GEO debt funding and earlier Kettering Field Improvement allocations (noted as 2022 Kettering Field Improvement funds) and that the design team adjusted plans to meet the city’s budget constraints. City Manager "Miss Dixing" introduced the item and called forward representatives from the contractor and Passaro Associates to brief the commission. Commissioners who spoke during the presentation generally welcomed the improvements and asked a small number of clarifying questions about amenities and program use.
Public comment at the meeting did not raise objections to the Kettering Field item; commissioners expressed support and anticipation for the fields to host local leagues and larger events.
Next steps: staff indicated the item was before the commission for presentation and recommended award; the transcript does not record a formal contract approval vote during the meeting. If the commission schedules a formal contract award, staff said procurement would then proceed in accordance with the city's contracting rules and project financing plans.
Design highlights and community context - Pedestrian spine: a central separated sidewalk providing continuous access through the site. - New building: a 3,000-square-foot administration and restroom building to serve visitors and players. - Athletics: five upgraded turf infields, six pickleball courts, two multi-purpose grass fields and upgraded LED field lighting. - Accessibility and events: consultants noted the plan seeks to support youth leagues and attract tournaments.
Quotes: "We've been working collaboratively with the Department of Recreation for the last several months," said Jeff Bonecutter of Passaro Associates. Project architect James Link walked commissioners through the site layout and amenities and answered commissioners' clarifying questions.
Commissioners Thomas Lawson, Fairchild and others voiced support during remarks, with Fairchild noting personal familiarity with the site and enthusiasm for bringing tournaments and activity back to the facility.
