Easton Area SD ad hoc committee advances Phase 1 utility work and athletic‑field relocation plan

The Easton Area School District ad hoc committee reviewed a Phase 1 plan to relocate aging site utilities and move varsity athletic fields as part of the district's high‑school redevelopment, with presenters saying early utility work could save about six months of schedule time. "Phase 1 is really a major undertaking related to utility relocations," the design presenter said, noting that stormwater, electrical and sewer systems are at end of life and need replacement.

Designers described a domino effect: bringing permanent utilities in first makes the building phase more efficient, but requires relocating the varsity baseball and softball fields, adding two turf practice fields and creating a new grass baseball field where the softball field currently sits. The team said it has incorporated a developer-built restroom building into the gateway/entry design so existing construction is not duplicated.

Why it matters: the team argued that doing earthwork and utility relocation now lowers inflation and schedule risk on the larger building package. "Think of it as saving at the end of the day six months or more from the project duration," the presenter said. Athletes and coaches pressed for a faster field timeline: a baseball coach and assistant athletic director said pushing Phase 1 earthwork to spring 2026 would let the district install turf before the next season and avoid shutting down programs.

Program details: architects showed a co‑located arrangement for varsity softball and baseball so both can be viewed from a central plaza and shared seating; seating estimates given were roughly 225 for softball (100 fixed seats + 125 bleacher) and about 350 for baseball (150 fixed + 200 bleacher). The plan includes dugouts, bullpens, batting cages, a press box area and a plaza/gateway with two ticket booths that ties into the restroom building under construction.

Phasing and access: presenters described a proposed field house to provide locker rooms, a trainer's office and a 40-by-40 yard multiuse turf interior that could be used for gym class, storage during construction or as temporary athletics space. Questions from board members and public attendees focused on access during JV events, restroom access outside gated ticketed areas and potential light spill to neighboring Greenwood Avenue; presenters said lighting and spillage will be analyzed and that shared lighting poles could reduce the number of standards.

Schedule and next steps: the design team told the committee it will bring PlanCon A and B to the board for action on Sept. 30 and continue site and traffic studies, biweekly design meetings and community outreach. The presenters said a final VE (value‑engineering) report will be published in about a month and that further design development will refine Phase 1 scope and bid packaging. The committee did not record any formal vote during the presentation; presenters said many items discussed will be bid as alternates so the board can make final cost/benefit decisions at bid day.