HHSDR Engineers, Architects Discuss Timeline for Proposed Softball Field, Cost of Concession Stand

HHSDR engineers and architects offered information about the proposed softball field in Ewing Park during Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors committee meeting Monday night as residents continued to express opposition to the location.

During a presentation regarding construction updates, Superintendent Wesley Shipley asked HHSDR representatives to discuss the proposed field’s timeline and details regarding the proposed $500,000 concession stand that is part of the project.

Softball Field

HHSDR reps said the project would take a year from start to completion. The proposed timeline includes a bidding process which would begin in April of 2024 and continue through June 5 2024. Actual construction on the project is proposed to begin on June 19, 2024 and completion of construction on December 31, 2024 in time for the March 2025 softball season.

The concession stand’s proposed $500,000 price tag, according to HHSDR reps, is in line with other school concession stand projects in the area. They cited that a concession stand in Erie, Pa rounded out at approximately $650,000. They said factored into the $500,000 are any costs to make the building, its amenities and appliances, and any walkways and approaches to the building ADA compliant. It also includes the cost to meet any codes for heating and utilities. In addition, restrooms also have requirements of ADA compliance and a stall to bleacher ratio requirement. HHSDR reps said the cost is not just bricks and mortar and that overall they have seen a 20% construction cost increase since COVID.

Area residents had plenty to say about the proposed field.

George Sewall of Fourth Street said he feels the location will take away from what he called “the entrance to Ewing Park.” He said he has worked in real estate for decades, and despite any studies cited by the district, he believes that the field will dimmish the value of the homes in the neighborhood.

Emily Denome lives on Wood Street and has attended numerous school board and borough council meetings to speak about her opposition to the field’s proposed location. She asked the board if a was done to see how the field would impact the neighborhood. She said neighbors worked hard, raised their children, and were looking forward to a peaceful time in the quiet neighborhood they chose to build their lives in.

“They want to sit on their porches and look over the field,” she said. “Who gave you the right to come into their lives and ruin them? The taxpayers are saying, No. Maybe you should listen to them.”