School board approves step forward in softball complex improvements

The Decorah school board had a lengthy discussion Monday evening about whether or not to approve plans to upgrade the softball complex.

Included in the $300,000 improvement project are new bleachers with more seating, handicap accessibility ramps, and center walking aisles; accessible restrooms with heat; an indoor batting cage; and an updated concessions area.  The project, which is proposed by Emergent Architecture out of Cedar Falls, will mimic the look of the baseball field.

All of these improvements, however, come at a cost a bit higher than what was originally budgeted in April. And while all board members agree that something needs to be done to improve the softball field and surrounding area, deciding whether or not right now is the best time to start the sizable project is what had the board discussing the topic for close to 90 minutes.

 

Decorah High School Athletic Director Adam Riley spoke in favor of approving the amendment.  He said Emergent Architecture's plans, submitted by Nick Hildebrandt, are "well done and cost effective and something that will last a long time." He went on to say that these softball improvements have been in the works and on the back burner for at least 3 years.

Decorah High School Principal Kim Sheppard echoed Riley, saying, " When we look at facilities for our boys and our girls, they're not equal, and that is a concern."

School Board President Ron Fadness continued, saying that the softball field "sticks out like a sore thumb" compared to other facilities.

The biggest concern for the board is the timing of spending the money.  As board member Brian Petersburg said, "We are in a time that we don't know what's going to happen with our district in light of COVID. I think it would make more sense to do a project, maybe even more extensive, later on when we have a better idea of what school and budgets are going to look like."

Superintendent Mark Lane responded, "We all recognize the need, and we'd be all for it if it were a normal summer.  The unpredictability of other needs make it a harder decision.  Not knowing when we will return to normal makes it a more difficult decision.  That's where I get really torn about the right answer."

Board member John Hjelle added to that, saying he'd like to see how the softball project fits in with the broader discussion of development within the district.  "I'd be more comfortable to talking about how this project impacts our broader, larger goal. I want to make sure the public can rally behind the decision made here, and I'd like to have some more conversations first."