New Dugouts, Press Box Upgrades McIntyre Softball Field for Girls' Varsity Softball

The North Hills School Board agreed during their work session meeting Monday night to approve an $180,000 change order for renovating the McIntyre Softball field, home to the North Hills Varsity Girls Softball team. 

The change order is for the creation of new dugouts and a new press box. The dugouts have a price tag of $24,000 and will be in an open style, without hedges, as had been previously discussed. The press box will round out at about $150,000, and will also include a concession area and restrooms.

While the board originally wanted to create a more protective, enclosed-style dugout comprised of concrete block and brick overlay, the estimate for that work was about $50,000, which would have put the project over budget. 

Also included in the plan is a base for the new scoreboard that has been purchased. 

The construction, which has been planned by Thomas and Williamson, is being headed by DiMarco Construction, who also completed the 75,000 square feet of renovations and additions at the McIntyre Elementary School.

Even though winter is quickly approaching, school board members said they hope to have the project started and possibly completed during the next two months, so that the field can be ready in time for softball season. To wait any longer would mean that construction would have to continue during practice and games, which could pose a hindrance and safety risk to the players.

The board also agreed to have a maintenance team from the district responsible for the restrooms.