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Perkiomen Valley coach presses board for grandstand at lower turf field, boosters pledge $10,000
Summary
Coach Vince Hinkle presented photos and safety concerns about sun glare at the district's lower turf baseball field, urged construction of permanent grandstands to improve sight lines and player safety, and said booster groups have raised $10,000 and plan to raise an additional $10,000 next year toward the project.
Vince Hinkle, Perkiomen Valley High School head baseball coach, presented the Safety and Operations Committee with photos and a multi‑part proposal to add grandstands and sight‑line improvements at the district's lower turf field.
Hinkle focused his argument on player safety: he documented multiple games in which low sun sets behind home plate and forces infielders and outfielders to shield their eyes during pitches and play. "Player safety is the major reason," he told the committee, describing instances where field orientation left shortstops and outfielders in a compromised, unathletic posture as the sun set directly behind home plate.
The coach showed examples of grandstand and press‑box designs from local institutions — DeSales University, Spring‑Ford High School and Boyertown High School — and identified lower‑cost stock options he believes could work at PV. He also reported booster fundraising: $10,000 already raised and a pledge to seek another $10,000 next year.
Committee members asked about interim fixes and near‑term steps. Mr. Henkel noted that moving game start times could reduce sun exposure but also affect student schedules; others suggested shade screens or additional poles and netting as temporary mitigations. Participants discussed site topography, ADA access, permitting and whether a supplier that offers design/engineering services could provide site‑specific quotes.
Facilities staff and board members outlined procurement considerations. Mr. Fabrizio and others said an engineered site survey would be needed, piers or elevated footers might be required in some locations, and the district would have to follow standard bidding and permitting procedures. Committee members agreed that the next steps should include: (1) the boosters and sports leadership solicit sample vendors and site quotes, (2) a facilities review with district staff and (3) a return to the committee with options in August.
Ending: The committee supported exploring options; coaches and boosters will solicit vendor quotes and engineering input over the summer and return with costed options in August. No funding commitment was made during the meeting.
