Anderson field Shoemaker field

Fields of Growth: Messiah plans improvements to athletic fields

This month, Messiah College plans to begin improvements on two of its athletic fields located in the Starry Athletic Fields Complex.

“It’s our hope that we would have the money committed to start in December but the job can also be done in three phases if needed,” says Kathie Shafer, Messiah College’s vice president for operations.

“We’ve had a lot of parents of current athletes come forward with generous gifts,” said David Warren, senior development officer for Messiah College. “We are really, really pleased with the response from parents to this need.”

The amount needed for this project is $820,000—an increase due to a rise in the cost of materials,Warren explains. As of November, the amount raised was $600,000.

The three-part plan, named “Fields of Growth,” includes installation of irrigation and drainage systems followed by resurfacing a new layer of top soil and sod at Shoemaker field. The current facilities at Shoemaker field, which is used for Messiah’s men’s and women’s soccer teams, as well as the commencement ceremony in the spring, are not handicap-accessible. A large part of the new plans will make the field wheelchair friendly, and also add more adequate bleacher seating—approximately 1,000 additional seats.

“The goal is to make this a much safer and more comfortable venue for the athletes and spectators,” Shafer said.

The final stage of “Fields of Growth” will enhance Anderson field, which is an artificial field used by the field hockey and lacrosse teams. Lights will be installed at Anderson to allow for evening games and practices.

For more information on Fields of Growth, visit www.messiah.edu/fields_of_growth.