NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As part of the city's CIP discussions in the budget process that took place in a study session Tuesday, there is a proposal to turf Hobart-Detter Field and two other fields at Fun Valley.
"I've met with the Athletic Director from USD 308 as well as HCC," said Parks and Facilities Director Justin Combs. "Both have verbally committed, we're waiting on letters, to split the cost of turf at Hobart-Detter and two fields at Fun Valley. Fields two and three, which is the home fields of the college and the home field of the Salthawks, to split those costs 50-50."
The educational entities would pay their half over 10 years.
"Our total share would be $1.2 million, in that range with a commitment from those two organizations for about $1.2 million, as well," Combs said.
Combs made clear that this would fix the underlying problems, too.
"The bulk of the cost of building artificial turf is not the turf itself," Combs said. "It's the underdrain system that's underneath. I've worked with three different contractors, took them on site and showed them what the drainage issue is. Most likely, we'll end up with a small retention area beyond kind of left center. It will be on past the scoreboard, so that we can get the water off the field."
There will be 12 to 18 inches of stone underneath the turf to make the drainage work. The intent at this point is to bond the project in 2024.
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