Construction begun on new turf recreation fields

Construction has begun on two new synthetic turf recreation fields at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The new fields will be at 16th and W streets on the site of the former home field of the Cornhusker softball team.

Installation of the Prestige synthetic turf is scheduled to be finished by June 30. Aesthetic amenities, including lighting, wrought iron fencing, sidewalks and a support facility, will be completed Aug. 1.

The new fields will be used for intramural sports and sport club activities like flag football, soccer, rugby, lacrosse and open recreational play. The fields will have an estimated 12-year life span before needing to be re-surfaced.

The construction will include the demolition of the softball complex including the playing diamond, batting cage and south dugout. The west dugout and press box will be retained to provide restrooms and an athletic training area for the new fields. The parking area on the north side of Mabel Lee Hall is not expected to be disturbed during the construction, but planners said it is unknown if any city meter parking spots on W Street will be displaced during the construction period.

Nemaha Construction Inc. of Lincoln is the construction contractor. Project and site management is overseen by UNL Facilities Management and Planning. UNL Campus Recreation will manage programming for and scheduling of the new fields when the construction is complete. Nemaha Construction Inc. was also the contractor for the construction of the 17th and Vine Recreation Fields, which also have two synthetic playing fields.

Funding for the new field construction is being financed through three sources: PepsiCo Inc. via the UNL pouring rights contract ($1 million); UNL Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs ($400,000); and UNL Campus Recreation via student fees ($335,000).