School board receives update on Weir High School field project

WEIRTON -- Weir High's new softball field reached substantial completion just in time for the beginning of the team's season, and construction of the schools new baseball field is set to begin in the coming days.

The Hancock County Board of Education held a work session Friday afternoon at the high school, meeting with contractors to receive an update on the two projects.

"Basically, the softball field is substantially complete," explained Bob Smith, of McKinley and Associates, the project manager on the field construction.

The softball field, which was built over the northernmost parking area on the Weir High School campus, still has a few finishing touches needed, Smith explained, but has already been in use by the softball team during its home games.

Weir High Principal Kristin Bissett noted the field has received a positive response from the team.

"The girls love it," she said.

Director of Facilities and Maintenance Mark Dziatkowicz explained some work remains on the field's concession stand, with concrete set to be completed Tuesday. He also reported the asphalt plant to be used is scheduled to open next week, bringing that aspect of the project closer to completion than anticipated.

"We could possibly be looking soon to get the paving done," he said.

Discussions also were held on plans for the press box, to be built at a later time, and whether a flag pole will be installed.

Kyle Smith, of FieldTurf, explained his crews will begin mobilization on the new baseball field, to be built on the site of the school's former softball field, in the coming days, depending on the weather.

"That will be our next two weeks," he said.

Some equipment already has been moved to the field site, with Musko Lighting already erecting two poles as part of new lighting plans.

Questions were raised over the decision to install a chain-link fence instead of the netting-style fence previously discussed for the baseball field.

It was noted while there is a slight cost difference, there is more work involved in maintaining the netting fence proposed, including the need to take it down and store it during the off season, and re-install it before each season begins.

"It's a little more going on with the installation," Kyle Smith explained. "A chain-link fence is a chain-link fence."

Following a question from board President Chris Gillette concerning plans for the baseball field's dugouts and press box, Dziatkowicz reported that portion of the project is set to go out to bid in two to three weeks.

Bissett expressed concern about the availability of parking at the school as construction continues, in particular as senior honors and graduation activities approach.