Another $1 million grant for fields

$1 million grant help install artificial turf in Fairview Park

Field improvement project to benefit youth athletics

By Andrea Iglar

A single $1 million grant is plenty cause to celebrate.

But South Fayette Township has been awarded two million-dollar grants in as many years.

In September, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources awarded $1 million toward a project to renovate and install artificial turf on two multipurpose athletic fields in Fairview Park.

The project will benefit youth sports such as football, cheerleading, lacrosse and soccer.

Bob Julius, president of the South Fayette Youth Football Association, said artificial turf will reduce delays and cancellations, which occur frequently due to wet, muddy conditions on the existing grass fields.

“We’re really excited to have fields we can use more frequently and not worry about the condition of them from rain or wear and tear,” he said.

The renovations could be complete as early as fall 2024.

Two multipurpose athletic fields (right and center) in Fairview Park will be renovated with synthetic turf, thanks in part to a $1 million grant.

Photo by Bob Julius

Last year, the state awarded South Fayette a $1 million grant to build a ball field complex on the Mayview expansion site of Fairview Park. The project includes three fields, with artificial turf infields, for youth baseball, softball and cricket.

South Fayette successfully gained the second grant thanks to robust community support and demand for field improvements, said township Parks and Recreation Director Paula Willis, who applied for the funding.

“Our surveys and feedback from the community have shown strong support for this project, and that was key to getting another million-dollar grant,” she said.

In a recent survey of parents involved with the South Fayette Athletic Association, 84% said artificial turf was important to them. A total of 72% were concerned about natural field conditions and drainage.

The areas to be renovated are Fields C and D, located below the Rotary Pavilion.

Plans also include stormwater drainage improvements, ADA-accessible pathways and two solar scoreboards (one new and one replacement). The township plans to install field lighting separately.

Willis said the project will enhance safety, expand field availability, increase accessibility and diversify recreational opportunities.

“Our youth athletes and their families will be able to access quality fields close to home, staying in our parks rather than seeking suitable fields elsewhere,” she said.

So far, the $2.3 million project is 46 percent funded by non-taxpayer dollars.

The $1 million grant comes from federal Land and Water Conservation Fund money through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program.

In addition, Washington Financial Bank is donating $25,000, and the South Fayette Athletic Association is contributing $40,000. Both are community commitments that helped secure the grant.

The balance will be covered by township capital funds and, potentially, additional grants.

The South Fayette Athletic Association includes the football association, South Fayette Soccer Association, South Fayette Youth Lacrosse Association and South Fayette Youth Cheerleading Association.

More than 1,500 children participate in these community sports groups—about a third of the township’s entire under-18 population. Youth in general comprise more than a quarter of the total township population.

Craig Ibella, president of the soccer group, said the grant is “an amazing win” for the community.

“Having this field will provide an opportunity for kids across multiple sports to play and grow their skills on a professional grade surface,” he said.

For more information about the South Fayette Athletic Association, visit southfayettepa.com/athletics.