Allegheny Valley to construct handicapped parking lot at new turf field

Allegheny Valley School District says it’s in the initial stages of building an ADA-compliant parking area near its new artificial turf field across Butler Road from Springdale Jr.-Sr. High School.

Superintendent Patrick Graczyk said the district is in discussions with FieldTurf USA, the contractor that recently installed the turf, to pave an area near the field. The school board agreed to pay $144,000 for the project.

The lot would sit to the left of field’s entrance gate in a grassy area near the school’s baseball batting cage, according to board President Nino Pollino.

The district also is considering widening the entrance gate or creating a vehicle ingress to separate those driving into the handicapped lot and fans walking across Butler Street from the other school lots.

The Dynamos played their first home game at the new field on Sept. 5.

Construction began earlier this year at the site, a former grass field that served as the home pitch for Dynamos soccer.

After the conclusion of football season, FieldTurf will begin laying a new track in anticipation of the spring track and field season.

This year marks Springdale’s second season away from Veterans Memorial Field on Lincoln Avenue, where the team played for 84 years before lease discussions between the district and the borough fell through.

The borough is hosting a public hearing tonight to solicit suggestions for the future of Vets Field.

Though surveys and blueprints have been completed, Pollino said it’s unclear when construction may begin.