Vandergrift Council shelves youth football team's request to play its games at Davis Field

A youth football team’s request to use Davis Field for its home games has been placed on hold by Vandergrift Council because of liability concerns.

The Kiski Valley Lancers sought council’s permission to use the field for games, which they had done in the past.

However, when they used the field previously, field and stadium maintenance was performed by Kiski Area School District. The district did that as part of its agreement with the borough to use the field for Kiski Area’s home football games.

That began in 1962 and continued until the final game of the 2017 high school football season. In 2018, that arrangement ended when the Kiski Area Cavaliers began playing their home games at the new on-campus stadium built by the school district.

Borough Manager Steve DelleDonne said the borough has not done any maintenance on Davis Field since then.

Solicitor Larry Loperfito said he sees that as a major issue with the borough granting anyone permission to use the field.

“It’s the condition of the property, the fact that we have had no control of the maintenance of that facility,” Loperfito told council. “Davis Field has not been maintained. There has not been a detailed inspection of the stands and the grounds.”

Loperfito indicated council could grant permission to use the field but would be taking an unnecessary risk should someone be injured there.

“You are putting yourself out there for financial liability,” he said.

After some discussion, council agreed to grant the other part of the Lancers’ request, giving them permission to practice at Kennedy Park. It held off on allowing them to play games at Davis Field, referring that to council’s general government committee for further discussion.

That might only be temporary, however.

“We’re not saying we’re denying them the use. It’s just that we’re trying to get our ducks in line,” Councilman Tom Holmes said.