Gateway plans field improvements, readies for U.S. Open parking

Gateway school board will vote next week on a proposal to replace the batter’s box and pitching areas at the high school baseball and softball field at a cost of $11,937.

Director Jack Bova voiced concerns that the district recently installed new turf at the field. Bova wanted to know if this was going to be an annual expense.

Athletic Director Don Holl said that they did not replace the fields last year and that they have some ideas for passing on the cost of upkeep, but those are still in the discussion phase. Outside entities that use the fields could pay for a portion of the maintenance.

Director of Facilities John Walsh said that leftover turf was stored on district grounds, but it cannot be located. Therefore, the bulk of the expense is the cost of new turf.

Director Cheryl Boise concurred with Bova, adding she is concerned with the outside entities that use Gateway’s fields.

U.S. Open agreement

The U.S. Open will pay for the use of Gateway’s parking lot from June 9-15. The United States Golf Association tournament will be held at Oakmont Country Club.

Gateway’s board signed a contract in August for the use of the parking lot. The district is set to receive $13,000 from the agreement.

Walsh said no other events will be held at the school during that time, but the maintenance department plans to complete a lot of projects that cannot be finished when students are in school.

The next board meeting is Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. at the administrative offices, 9000 Gateway Campus Blvd. in Monroeville.