Turf infields at Cranberry’s Community Park will extend playtime
CRANBERRY TWP — The freshly completed synthetic turf infields at two of the recreational ball fields at Cranberry Township Community Park sparkled on a sunlit, late Thursday, Aug. 27, afternoon.
Township and Seneca Valley Baseball and Softball Association (SVBSA) officials were in attendance to mark the official opening of the fields. Some of the association’s youth softball and baseball players were also present.
After a ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks from some officials, township Supervisor Anthony Bertolino threw a ceremonial first pitch.
The two fields changed to artificial turf — fields three and four — were originally natural grass fields, said Michael Malak, township director of engineering and environmental services.
The natural fields came with some issues, he said.
“Every time it rains, it would affect the infields,” Malak said.
A lot of work goes toward preparing grass fields through rainy seasons, he said, noting sometimes cancellations are unavoidable.
The purpose of the turf, Malak said, was to increase the hours of play and expand availability of the fields to later in the fall and earlier in the spring.
“This (past) year, we probably missed the most in the last three years,” said Mike Fabus, president of the association.
Fabus added the turf will help reduce the number of games and practices canceled.
Fabus said safety was also a concern driving the project. Ball movement and trajectory are more predictable on the flatter, synthetic surface, compared to grass fields. Dirt and grass fields also result in more slipping and sliding, said supervisors Chairwoman Karen Newpol. The artificial turf will decrease unexpected falls, she said.
Fabus said he does not anticipate the change in surface will dramatically affect game play other than potentially speeding up the game due to lesser friction. The ball will also likely bounce more, he said.
“Most of these kids have been playing on turf somewhere else anyway,” Fabus said.
Malak said, along with the turf, the revamping of the fields also included upgrading the backstops, which had aged.
The turf installations are a continuation of ongoing park updates in the township, which were discussed at the first Cranberry Conversations session.
Kyle Beidler, township assistant manager, said the infield turf project in particular highlights collaboration between the township and the association.
The cost of the project amounted to close $750,000. The association will reimburse the township for spending on the project through incremental payments, he said.
