The specifics
Improvements include:
- New synthetic turf for baseball, softball fields and bull pens
- Replacement of batting cage synthetic turf
- Additional shade structures over existing, new batting cages and grandstands
- Field lighting
- New restroom/concession facilities
- New baseball, softball grandstands and press boxes
- New dual tunnel softball batting cage
- Realignment of softball outfield wall
- Replacement of baseball outfield wall
- Lighting improvements for:
- Hays High School, Barton Middle School tennis courts
- Barton Middle School stadium
The cost
The funding for the athletic improvements comes from Proposition B in the 2023 bond that voters passed in May and cost about $15.15 million
Quote of note
Hays CISD Athletic Director Lance Moffett said they were grateful for the board and community's support noting that the improvements would give the district a “competitive advantage” in the 5A and 6A districts.
"It'll get us up to speed with our opponents in terms of having top quality facilities for our programs," Moffett told Community Impact. “I think it will also enhance our ability to improve our play and get more time on. The biggest thing with baseball and softball is the weather, and if it rains we’re pretty much rained out, and so we don’t get the opportunity to practice and play. Whereas when you have turf, not only does it not require absorbent amounts of water to maintain the grass and all the things that go along with maintaining the grass, but it also gives you the ability to play 10 minutes after a rain shower,” he added.
What's next?
The design bid is on track to be approved within the next couple of months.
Construction is expected to begin in October and be completed by January.
