Turf Petition

For reasons that I can't quite comprehend, I have been criticized by opponents of the turf proposal for not including a link to the turf petition on this website. Similarly, they have suggested that I am not sharing the "other side" of the story, including the Fraasch proposal that includes an alternative plan to add grass fields in Robb Hollow and along Cedar Blvd. In the intest of full disclosure, Commissioner Fraasch has presented a proposal for a comprehensive Rec bond. I published her proposal here the day she emailed it to me, and I have since stated on numerous occasions that I support most of what is in her proposal. Where we disagree, is on how best to solve our field issues. I support a turf proposal and Comm. Fraasch has her plan for Robb Hollow and Cedar. Long term, I believe that a weather proof, turf facility is a better option given our current situation, including our inability to maintain our current inventory of grass fields and our growing number of youth athletic programs.

If you care to sign the turf petition, it can be found here:

http://www.change.org/petitions/mt-lebanon-commissioners-approve-a-plan-to-install-synthetic-turf-on-middle-and-wildcat-fields?share_id=JQTxKWFUxF&utm_campaign=mailto_link&utm_medium=email&utm_source=share_petition

Robb Hollow

I thought it would be a good idea to take a walk through the proposed Robb Hollow site, which Commissioner Fraasch has proposed as a possible location for a new grass field.  I think the first thing to point out is that the aerial photo used in Commissioner Fraasch's presentation is just over two years old.  This space is currently not nearly as cleared and open as it appears in that photo.  Not a big deal, but I did not observe the cleared rectangle that is depicted in that 2010 photo.

I took a number of pictures and, if I can figure out how to do so, I will upload them here.  I also walked the site and using some basic guesswork marked off the dimensions of a 60 x 100 yd field.  First, in order to even begin field construction here, there would need to be significant site work (grading, tree removal, road improvements, etc).  This work would not be as significant as what would be required at say McNeilly, but it would be necessary just the same.  Using the dimensions referenced above appeared to take up most of the useable space in this area, and would leave little extra space for benches, pre-game warm-up areas, spectator seating or even a buffer space between the boundaries of the field and the “cliff” on the lower portion of the property. 

Also, as noted in Commissioner Fraasch’s proposal, there is currently no parking in this area.  The entrance to this space off of Kelso is a rather steep driveway that runs up the hill to an even steeper embankment.  Considerable grading would be required of this hillside to allow for even modest parking, and I’m not sure if it is even possible given the significant grade on the left hand side.  The right hand side of the driveway is not useable as it is a steep cliff down to Kelso.  Unfortunately, the parking location would be a considerable distance from the field space itself, so suitable walking paths would need to be installed and maintained.  Ingress and egress along Kelso would similarly need to be studied and perhaps expanded as this is a rather precarious location with less than perfect sight lines.  Turning left upon exiting the site would be difficult. 

In all, it would seem to this casual observer that the site prep, entrance, driveway and parking costs alone would eclipse much of the $500-600,000 estimate leaving little left for the field itself, irrigation, fencing, bleachers, benches . . .  and of course continued maintenance to keep it green and playable.

This space can and certainly should be used for something, but given its size it will not likely provide any additional field space for athletes 12 and over, and it is this particular group that is in desperate need of additional locations to practice and play.  I would encourage everyone to take a look at this space and judge for yourselves.

Commissioner Fraasch's Proposal

Commissioner Fraasch has published her proposal for a comprehensive Rec bond, and it will be presented at the Commission's Discussion Session on August 14.  You can review the proposal in advance here.  I appreciate Commissioner Fraasch sharing this information with everyone in advance.

I support a lot of what is in the proposal, but I think it is important for every to review it and offer their own conclusions.  I will offer a more detailed summary with my thoughts at a later date.