STHS softball field almost ready

By Kathryn Reed

To the spectator’s eye, the South Tahoe High School softball field looks ready to play on.

But it’s also less than ideal from a spectator’s point-of-view.

There is the matter of a gated fence, at least on Tuesday afternoon, not letting anyone in. And then when seated in the first couple rows of the five-row bleachers fans cannot to see action except in parts of the outfield.

Softball may be played at South Tahoe High on April 6. Photos/Kathryn Reed

It’s the wetness of the field, though, that will force Wednesday’s home opener to be played at the South Tahoe Middle School field. The goal is to have the high school field ready for Saturday’s doubleheader. And with the lack of snow this year, this could be a record for how early the girls will be able to play at their school.

The high school softball field has been under a microscope for a couple years. In part it had to do with the Office of Civil Rights saying the field was out of compliance, then came Title IX issues, funding problems, bickering, disputes, name calling and finger pointing. From there, compromise, funding, resolution and progress came about.

Lake Tahoe Unified School District officials walked the field last week.

“Now that we can see the ground, the girls are out there practicing on it every day,” Doug Russell, STHS athletic director, told Lake Tahoe News. “We are trying to get the facility to match the needs we would need for a game situation.”

The removable outfield fence is installed, the scoreboard is working, and the dugouts are complete with bat racks, equipment boxes and benches.

The view of the field from the bottom bleacher seat.

But the wood on the lower part of the backstop is still there. This hinders people from being able to see the action. When that might be fixed, well, Russell said he hasn’t been told.

Facilities Director Steve Morales said, “The major item still outstanding that the district elected to do is the addition of two restrooms. We are expecting to get approved drawings out of the Division of State Architect in the next couple of weeks.”

Construction will start after the girls’ softball season is over. Morales said this is so the players won’t be impacted by the work.

Also still to be installed are the restroom fixtures in the one stall that is built, as well as setting the sinks and cabinets in the concession stand.

With a hard freeze possible this weekend, water for that structure has yet to be turned on.