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Board approves moving Maumelle High softball fence inward; project cost about $30,000
Summary
The PCSSD board approved a plan to move Maumelle High School’s softball outfield fence to a more typical high‑school distance after coaches said the existing 230‑foot fence puts players at a competitive disadvantage.
The Pulaski County Special School District board voted 6–1 on June 10 to approve a contractor proposal to move the outfield fence at Maumelle High School inward to dimensions the coaches said align with most Arkansas high‑school softball fields.
Athletic director Mr. Horton and head coach Jared White told the board the field’s current distance — roughly 230 feet to center and down the lines — is substantially larger than most high‑school softball fields and disadvantages Maumelle players on home games, affecting statistics, recruiting and competitive parity. White said the oversized field "reduces home‑run opportunities, increases outfield demands" and can hurt a player’s recruiting profile.
Coach White said the district and contractors had opportunities during planning stages to install a smaller fence and that he and others raised the issue previously. Trustees asked administrators to review planning documents and contracts to determine whether the district or contractors had responsibility and whether any financial recovery or credits were possible; administration said they would provide those documents to the board.
The board approved the Kenco proposal to move the fence; administration estimated the expenditure will be roughly $30,000 and said it was not previously budgeted in the capital fund. Trustee Maynard cast the lone no vote.
Trustees directed administration to review the original construction plans, the sign‑off and warranty documents and to report back about whether the district can recoup costs from contractors or otherwise identify funding.
The project is expected to be scheduled so it is complete before fall athletics; administration said timelines would be provided as schedules are finalized.
