Agenda Packets - 1996/07/08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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T , 6- repfm- mv. qtp-Irp-ii 145 MEMO TO: CHUCK WHITING • FROM: MARY SAARION DATE: JUNE 26, 1996 SUBJECT: FENCING FOR ATHLETIC FIELDS Throughout the years I have identified athletic fencing needs for compliance to safety and distance standards for various fields throughout the community during the budget process. Unfortunately, while replacement or extension of ballfield fencing continues to be extended "one more year" in the Long Term Financial Plan, ballfield fencing has not survived budget cuts. Bailfield fencing is listed in the 1997 LTFP with Hillview Park and City Hall playfield fencing extension suggested for 1997, Silver View field #2 for 1998 and Silver View#1 for 1999. These same capital improvements were previously presented for other years gone by, but did not survive budget cuts as was earlier mentioned. The Parks and Recreation Commission has identified the upgrade of athletic fields for safety as a goal for 1996. They have visited Hillview and Groveland Parks and have identified these two parks as a priority for the installation of sideline fencing from the backstops through the overthrow areas of first and third base areas. Fencing would enhance the safety of youth • ballplayers who have a tendency to overthrow or miss balls which then go into the streets of both parks. I have cost estimates for both projects. The estimates have been forwarded to Ernie Lepore,Irondale Baseball Association Board member who expressed an interest in possibly contributing to the cost of installing fencing at Groveland Park. I have not heard back from the Board of Directors. City Hall and Silver View fencing have been costed out every budget season, as they have been • included in budget requests. Ideally, the height of these fences would be 10 feet. This would provided safety for those outfield players that jump in the air to catch fly balls. In addition, it would make it more difficult to hit balls over a 10' fence. The fence at City Hall is old approximately 18 years old) and needs replacement. It is at the point of being dangerous. Both new posts and fabric need to be replaced. Due to new bats and caliber of players, balls are hit out of the field on a regular basis. Additional fencing height would make it more difficult to hit the home run. Silver View fields also need fencing height increased to provide safety for outfield players. The extra height would also make it more difficult to hit a home run. This fencing too has outlived its longevity and should be replaced. 0