Committee debates removable outfield fencing as fields are readied; concerns raised over safety and project purpose

Facilities lead Matt Erinworth updated the committee on field work and raised the possibility of removable outfield fencing to allow a field to function for baseball/softball yet be adaptable for soccer, marching band and limited football kickoff practice.

Erinworth described recent work: removal of an old backstop, seed slicing and irrigation to promote grass regrowth, and plans to create permanent inserts in the ground to accept removable fence panels. He said the district is exploring options with athletics and facilities staff and emphasized no funding decision has been made: “We’re simply exploring the option of that,” he said.

Several committee members pushed back. One member questioned whether football practice—even limited kickoff drills—would damage a field that the district had spent to restore and noted a previous intent to dedicate funds to baseball/softball. That member referenced the earlier estimate and warned that a multipurpose approach could “defeat the purpose of spending $275,000 to make all that specific locations,” arguing for clearer separation of uses so the investment is protected.

Erinworth responded that the football practice would be limited in scope and time and that removable fencing would be installed in durable inserts so panels could be removed for other events without leaving hazardous holes. The group agreed to revisit the original fencing proposal documents and to clarify the scope and costs before any change is approved.

The discussion did not result in a formal vote; facilities requests and smaller facility‑use items were approved elsewhere in the meeting.