Hancock County athletic field projects continuing
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WEIRTON -- Hancock County Schools officials are hopeful Weir High's new baseball field will be completed in time for the team's next season, with plans for much of the work on the baseball and softball fields at Oak Glen High to begin after the season has completed.
The county board of education met at Weir Middle School Thursday for a work session to review progress on the ongoing field projects.
According to Superintendent Dan Enich, the main portion of the Oak Glen project, which will include new lighting and the installation of turf on both softball and baseball fields, is targeted to begin after both seasons have concluded.
"After the last out, excavation can take place," he said, noting plans are to have work on the two fields done concurrently in an effort to save money.
Assistant Superintendent Dave Smith noted there have been discussions concerning the timeline with a committee comprised of coaches and community members.
"As long as it's done right, they're perfectly happy," Smith said, adding the later start time could provide additional time to fundraise.
Turning to the Weir High baseball field currently under construction, the board reviewed a list of more than 25 items of focus for the project, including plans for concrete work on a planned plaza area connecting the field with Jimmy Carey Stadium, the installation of grandstands, landscaping, fencing and other amenities.
According to Jim Sauer, of J.T. Sauer and Associates, the current schedule has completion of the field set at March 5, which is approximately a week before the start of the high school baseball season.
Some board members expressed frustration on aspects of the project, so far, which, when proposed had been set for completion in December 2022. It has faced delays as a result of various aspects having to be rebid.
The school's new softball field reached substantial completion last spring, and was used for the 2023 season, although board members pointed to several amenities still in need of attention.
"We're going to have to make some hard decisions," board President Chris Gillette said.
Sauer said he feels concrete could still be installed in November, with the other major elements, such as the grandstands, currently out for bid.
The Weir High field projects were included in a series of improvements to school facilities, including heating and air conditioning work at several buildings, and a new physical education annex at Weir High which is in the early phases of construction.
Funding was made possible through bonds, the county school levy and money provided through the CARES Act.
The Oak Glen projects were approved earlier this year.