Lighting considered for "green space"

Officials vowed to find ways to help students after they voiced complaints to the Student Government Association for lack of “green space” at the intramural practice fields. Last week, University students Tim Records, Chris Stonestreet and Dean Mize addressed members of SGA stating college teams received preferential treatment.

The three students said athletes needing to use the soccer practice fields and the other facilities were used for athletes rather than letting intramural students have playing time. Mize said intramural athletes using the baseball/softball fields were asked to leave during scheduled events.

“We have made progress in using the baseball and softball facilities,” Bob Hepler, director of recreational facilities said. “I would not say that is set in stone but that is getting really close.” 

Athletic Director James Vilade and Hepler agreed installing lights or artificial turf is a top priority to solve this issue. “For the majority of the year, that would free up four-to-five hours a day for students to go out and use that green space. If we can light up that field, it will free up hundreds of hours for student use and make scheduling a lot easier for coaches and intramurals.” Vilade said the cost of putting lights up at the intramural field is about $175,000 to $190,000 dollars at the intramural practice field.

“The benefit is once you do it is going to bring so many opportunities and I know our administrators and leaders are aware of that,” he said. Hepler said students addressed wanting artificial turf to help with the drainage problems at the practice field. He said the best option is to build an intramural field.

“The reason for not on the game field is the NCAA requires a natural grass field if you want to host any postseason games,” Hepler said. “We did not want to take that away from the athletics department.” Hepler said the best solution to solve “green space” issues is for a field just for intramural athletes.

Dr. Howard Patterson, vice president for student affairs, Gregg Lassen, executive vice president for business affairs and Hepler are discussing using land purchased by the University beside the Cambridge Apartments as a recreational and practice field area.

Three years ago, Hepler said the total intramural participation was less than 500 students per semester. Last year, Jameson Adams, recreational sports program coordinator, had more than 5,000 students participate in intramurals.

“Athletics has had a good partnership with rec sports in use of the facilities,” Vilade said. “The problem with this is that our numbers are outweighing our space.” Hepler said administrators from around the campus met and divided up responsibilities regarding freeing up the use of the fields.

“We are getting bids on lights, (James) Vilade is getting bids on artificial turf, (Howard) Patterson and (Gregg) Lassen are forming ideas for across the street so we all have our responsibilities and this is a top priority for us,” Hepler said.

Vilade told the Patriot Talon a recent situation involving the soccer team and Jameson Adams, recreational sports program coordinator, forced intramural football to be moved at the Citizens 1st Bank-Perkins Soccer Complex.

“To clarify that situation, we had the soccer team practicing on an area that was roughly 30 yards by 30 yards and was on a corner of the field that was not wet,” Vilade said. “The rest of the field was under water and when intramurals came out the coach came over to Jameson Adams and told him, “the rest of the field is wet and we have to stay off of it.”

The poor drainage at the soccer complex has been an issue since completion in 2005 and Hepler said field conditions played a major role in the complaints. “We understand that we have a bad game field and that is bottom line,” he said. “If that field had proper drainage and they could use it for practice and games consistently then we would not be in the situation that we are in.”

Hepler said one of the main solutions right now for the intramural teams is freeing up the Louise Herrington Patriot Gymnasium. “One of the first things that we are doing as soon as volleyball is over in November is make sure for the first time to have at least a two hour block of time each night for open gym,” Hepler said.

“That is something that I have wanted for a long time and the basketball teams have rearranged their schedules a few times a week starting at 6 a.m.
Vilade said the time is now to figure out a new solution to make officials within intramural sports and collegiate sports agree on use of the fields.

“I think right now what is in front of us in developing green space, which is going to take time,” he said. “Students deserve an immediate solution and in my mind there is one and we are working on it.”