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Marshfield baseball coach urges district to address scoreboard, field maintenance; community coalition proposes bus-barn relocation for senior housing
Summary
A public comment by Marshfield head baseball coach emphasized delayed field repairs and an inoperable scoreboard, calling for district attention; a Community Coalition representative proposed exploring bus-barn relocation to create senior housing and potential CTE construction projects.
During public comment the Marshfield High School head baseball coach, Toby Riddell, urged the board to address long-standing facility issues at the district—s baseball field, including an inoperable scoreboard, ineffective sprinkler systems and recurring maintenance performed by volunteer staff rather than district crews.
Riddell told the board a scoreboard purchased and delivered in September remained uninstalled and said irrigation has failed in previous years, requiring manual watering and hand maintenance. He said the team and volunteers currently expend time and personal funds for basic field upkeep and asked the district for clearer maintenance support and consideration of a more durable surface solution, including synthetic turf or an all-weather infield, which he estimated could cost roughly $300,000 for an infield replacement.
A district staff member acknowledged the scoreboard installation had been scheduled and said heavy equipment and weather timing had delayed installation; staff said they would follow up with the coach about scheduling and next steps.
Separately, a representative from the Community Coalition (self-identified as “Cisner” in public comment) proposed exploring relocation of the district bus barn to free central property for senior housing, describing the idea as a potential win for housing and student career programs. The speaker suggested small, village-style senior housing developed with student participation through construction-trades programs as both a housing and vocational opportunity. The coalition representative said possible alternative sites included district-owned parcels and a site near Cascade Farm & Supply that city planning officials are also evaluating for future municipal buildings and a road access point connected to a new subdivision.
Board members responded that the facilities committee would be the appropriate forum for an initial feasibility discussion and asked staff and interested community members to coordinate with the facilities committee to explore costs, property ownership and potential partners.
No formal action was taken during public comment; the board recommended the issues be addressed through follow-up with facilities staff and committee review.
