MOLINE, Ill. — Moline softball players could be getting an upgrade. It's part of a feasibility study looking at the need for turf fields at the Greenvalley Softball Complex, just south of John Deere Road.
It has eight fields, all made of grass and dirt. However, due to a lack of drainage in the outfields and the limitations of grass fields, any rain can make the fields unusable.
Eric Griffith, director of parks and recreation, said his department has to do a lot of work to make fields playable again after rain.
"On a grass field, if there is any kind of weather, that can delay play, that can cancel tournaments," Griffith said. "So with turf, you’re able to almost guarantee, as long as it’s not raining and thundering and lightning, to be able to play."
He said turf has drainage built in, making fields usable within 15 to 20 minutes of rain. That reliability is what big national tournaments are looking for in a host, and Griffith hopes to attract more to Moline.
Griffith presented a feasibility study to city council Tuesday night. Along with turf fields, the project proposes shade structures and improve concession stands and restrooms.
"We're just looking to improve the programs that we have, continue to host the tournaments that we have, and bring in more to Moline," Griffith said.
When those tournaments come to town, Griffith said Visit Quad Cities makes sure players and their families keep sales tax and hotel/motel tax dollars in Moline.
"They’re eating here, they’re filling up here, they're doing entertainment on our side of the river," Griffith said. "So the more teams that we bring in, the bigger the impact on our community is."
All in, the project would cost nearly $11 million.
"I understand that's a very large number, that's kind of a dream scenario if we're able to get turf, new concession stands, upgraded pretty much everything," Griffith said.
City council said it needs more information about funding, profitability and potential partnerships.
"I think we're just going to have to understand if we'll need to have to phase this out, which pieces to pull back on or push forward on, and the funding is obviously a huge question," Alderman At-Large James Patrick Schmidt said. "But I do understand, and I believe that by looking at the turf, we'll make a more workable amenity long-term."
City council didn't make a decision on the project Tuesday. If it goes forward, Griffith said the project would need a final design and public input. That could take at least a year and a half.