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Murrysville council approves two tarps for MCP ballfields, caps cost at $10,000
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Summary
Council authorized staff to buy two tarps for MCP infields at staff discretion, not to exceed $10,000, after hearing that two tarps would cost about $7,000 and have a 5–8 year lifespan; the purchase will be added to CIP amendments and tested as a pilot.
Murrysville council on March 17 approved buying two tarps aimed at protecting infield soil at MCP ballfields, asking staff to proceed at their discretion as long as the total cost does not exceed $10,000.
The decision followed a presentation from the local baseball organization and staff explaining tarps can preserve a specialized infield soil mix that otherwise washes away in spring rain events. The group estimated two tarps would cost roughly $7,000 and last about five to eight years; tarps discussed were roughly 90 by 90 feet and designed mainly to cover the infield dirt.
Council members and the field group discussed sponsorships and storage. Michelle Kish, representing the baseball organization, said the group could raise banner-sponsorship money to fund the initial two tarps and hoped to expand the program if the trial proved successful. "We could check... the tarps are the sizes that we are looking at are roughly $3,000 a piece," Kish said. She added that the organization would still pay many seasonal preparation costs even if the tarps reduce some infield maintenance.
Members raised operational questions about tarp sizing, whether larger tarps would route runoff onto grass rather than the infield, and the logistics of storing and deploying equipment. Council also noted a current ordinance restricts advertising signage at parks; staff and council discussed whether sponsorship banners would require any ordinance changes.
After discussion, council moved to authorize staff to purchase two tarps as a pilot and to place the outlay into the capital improvements program as an amendment later in the year. The motion to approve the purchase at staff discretion, not to exceed $10,000, passed with a voice vote. "Let's get some tarps on those fields for you guys," Mayor Deiss said after the motion passed.
Next steps: staff will finalize specifications and ordering and return the item in the CIP amendment at year-end; council asked staff to confirm final tarp dimensions and delivery timing so the equipment can be available near opening day.
