School to get new field

By MELINA DOWNS
For the Stafford County Sun
Published: July 24, 2008

STAFFORD — After what many say was a 30-year-delay, Stafford High School is finally getting a new softball field and just in time for the 2009 season.
The school board unanimously approved construction of the field and other amenities at a cost of $766,193 during their regular meeting Tuesday night.

“If this had dragged out any longer we would [not have the field for] this season,” said Richard Smith, who was representing the Stafford High School Softball Booster Club.

The field currently being used by the softball team was originally built as a temporary solution until a softball field could be built 30 years ago, Smith said.

The softball field is also currently being used for JV football practice and for overflow parking.

“Now we won’t be embarrassed anymore,” said junior varsity softball player Morgan Hill, who added that if it rains the players have to rake the mud from the field and pour dirt before games.

The field is uneven and has a poor draining system, the existing grass has numerous problems, including bald spots, and there are no bathrooms. Games attendees have to walk through the school to get to the nearest bathroom.

“We spent considerable monies to bring the baseball field up to [standard] to host district games,” said Robert Belman, Falmouth District board member.

In 2006, Stafford spent $2.5 million to upgrade football and baseball fields, according to Smith.

Now that the money has been approved for the field, Bermuda grass seed will be laid in the next few weeks and the field will be ready for play in 2009. The softball season begins with tryouts in February.

“This makes me feel that people really do care about Stafford softball and I feel proud,” said Katey Smith, varsity softball player.

The new field will also have easily accessible bathrooms, a new concessions stand, a press box, and new dugouts in addition to Bermuda grass and new fencing.

“It just means a lot to finally have a field we can play on,” said Samantha Goswellen, varsity softball player.

Melina Downs is a contributing writer at the Stafford County Sun. Reach her at .