South Fayette to add recreational fields
With the continuing influx of new residents moving into South Fayette Township, officials recognize the need for additional fields for recreational programs and youth sports.
To help deal with the population growth, township officials plan to put projects out for bid to add recreational fields, a pavilion, parking lots and walking trails to the Boys Home Park property.
The need for new facilities is the direct result of the presence of the Watson Institute, which eliminated multiple soccer fields in the former El Rancho Park on Hickory Grade Road, and the substantial Newbury Market project that will eventually eliminate Copper Field.
Cost of the new fields project is expected to be in the range of $1 million to $2 million, according to township manager Ryan Eggleston.
The township, which already owns the land, set aside $500,000 in the 2016 budget for the project, and it could be implemented in phases with the three recreational fields being the first priority.
“We have some funds available to start the project, but the overall master plan of the site will most likely be phased in depending on where the bids come in,” said Eggleston. “We are going to wait until the costs come back and then decide from there.”
Currently, Fairview Park is holding youth activities for soccer, football and lacrosse.
“Frankly, when they are all in season, it’s a nightmare,” said Eggleston. “Football remains strong and lacrosse only continues to grow. Our local soccer association accommodates over 650 boys and girls from ages 4 to 17. There are currently 14 travel teams and over 20 teams in the U-6, U-8, U-10 and U-12 age groups. There is a lot of activity.”
The plan is for all youth soccer activity to be transferred to the new recreational fields at Boys Home Park, which will take up part of the 15 to 20 acres near Oakdale.
The fields will be able to be accessed by a new municipal road that will branch off of Seminary Avenue.
The township hopes the long-term solution for the recreational fields will be completed by fall 2017.