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Board hears Arcaterra safety‑first plan for varsity baseball field, approves design contract
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Summary
Arcaterra recommended safety and code upgrades to Middletown Area High School's varsity baseball venue, with a prioritized package estimated at about $1.04 million to $1.7 million; the board approved a $99,815 contract for Arcaterra to provide design through construction‑administration services.
Arcaterra landscape‑architecture principal Dave Horn presented a months‑long assessment and a safety‑first recommendations package for Middletown Area High School’s varsity baseball facility, emphasizing code compliance, player safety and improved spectator protection.
Horn told the board the steering committee narrowed a broad menu of options to focus on fixes that address ADA/access, grading and drainage, a new 30‑foot backstop, a 20‑foot protective fence in front of an elevated grandstand, dugout netting, rebuilt dual bullpens, a warning track and other safety items. He said the committee dismissed installing synthetic turf for the infield or outfield as “not cost‑effective…especially without lighting.”
The presentation included estimated project ranges. Horn said the full menu ranged from about $1,036,754 to over $1.7 million, but that the steering committee deliberately prioritized code‑ and safety‑related items to deliver the best value per dollar spent. He outlined a preliminary schedule that would begin detailed design and permitting in 2026, expect approximately 7–10 months for approvals (including township land development and an NPDES permit), and anticipate construction activity in spring 2027 with the venue ready for play by March 2028.
"We began to focus on achieving the best value for any dollar spent," Horn said, summarizing the committee’s approach.
After the presentation the board considered a motion to retain Arcaterra to deliver the full scope of services (design through construction administration) for the recommended package. The motion specified a professional fee of $99,815 plus reimbursable expenses; the board approved the contract by voice vote (motion carries). The motion did not include a formal recorded roll call in the minutes; the board noted the voice vote carried.
Why it matters: The recommended scope concentrates on spectator and player safety and code compliance rather than higher‑cost enhancements (synthetic turf or elaborate scoreboards). The district indicated the likely funding source would be capital reserve funds, which by policy must be used for construction projects and not for operational costs.
What’s next: If the board proceeds with Arcaterra’s implementation contract, the next administrative steps are detailed design and engineering submittals, followed by permitting (township and county NPDES) and then public bidding of the construction contract. Horn recommended being prepared to go to public bid later in the approval process, with possible construction start as soon as March 2027.
Provenance: The presentation and discussion were introduced by Dave Horn (Arcaterra) and occur in the transcript starting with Horn’s presentation (SEG 593) through the design‑contract motion and vote (SEG 1114–SEG 1125).
