Marty Gordon
NRVsports@ourvalley.org
Work on a new turf field and rubberized track at Christiansburg High School has been slowed by recent rain, but crews are working overtime this week to get $1.5 million project back on track.
The grading of the field is almost complete and a drainage system is being installed around the field.
Athletic Director Tim Cromer said Tuesday he expects gravel and sand to be laid over the field in the next two weeks as the contractor prepares the drainage for under the playing surface itself.
“The turf will then be laid on top of that and paving will be done on the track before the rubberized surface is laid down,” he said
Cromer anticipates everything will be on schedule for completion by mid-July. “We are planning to play both scrimmages on the turf before the season gets started, but we should be ready to play this season.”
Phase II of the project includes a new softball field to be located between the current tennis courts and gymnasium
Cromer said once the grading crew is completed their part of the field project then they will start on the softball field. He is anticipating Phase II be finished in early fall.
“We are on a fast track, and I am very happy with all the progress,” he said
The second phase will also include additional drainage and stands at the baseball field. Phase 1.3 of the Christiansburg plan includes the construction of a field house adjacent to the CHS football field along with a new concession stand, restrooms and entrance to the field.
The price tag has been estimated at $900,000 for the locker rooms and $1 million for the rest of the project. Christiansburg football coach Alex Wilkens calls the field house another major asset.
“I think that the new locker rooms will be a real asset for the team in that we won’t have to travel so far to and from the field on Friday nights. That will give us the ability to go inside at half time and it will give us more time for adjustments. It will also allow us to be more separated from the opposing team before and after games, which also helps,” he said previously.
