By Marty Gordon
NRVsports@ourvalley.org
Phase II of a multi-million dollar project to the Christiansburg High School’s sports complex is nearing completion, and the school’s softball team should be able to start practicing on a new turf field in the next 30 days.
A new turf softball field is set to open March 1. New dugouts and a press box have been added as part of the project.
Athletic Director Tim Cromer said there is some small work to be done on the bases and the pitching rubber.
“But that can be done quickly and will be ready when we start practice next week. The dugouts, bleachers and batting cages are almost complete. The biggest concern is the cleanup etc. and dealing with the mud from all of the rain,” he said.
The weather doesn’t look much better over the next week so that could affect the final time table.
Additional work is needed on dugout benches, hanging nets for the batting cage, running the electrical wiring for the entire complex, bleachers and clean up (seeding).
“Concession stand and bathrooms still have a way to go, and we still need to finish work on some concrete and asphalt walking surfaces,” Cromer said.
He expects the softball field to be ready for play this spring. Plans call for the team to host several scrimmages around the first of next month with an opening game scheduled for March 12. A new press box has also been built behind home plate.
The project is again Phase II of a plan that included a new turf football field and track surface.
Meanwhile, the second part of the plan can also be seen on the Christiansburg baseball field.
The field is receiving new sod with sand work on the infield. Bleachers are being built on the hillside behind third base.
Cromer said contractors still need to complete the wiring for all of the facility and a dugout storage room addition.
“We are hopeful that all will be done and ready when we host our first baseball game on March 11. As with all the work, we need the weather to cooperate,” he said.
