Newstrack: Cornell, high school team for new facilities

Background

MOUNT VERNON - Cornell College devoted time and resources to give Ash Park a face-lift. Work began with new field turf for the football field in 2013 as well as lights, which were used for the Rams's opening game against Coe College in September.

What's happened since

The athletics department has been able to enjoy the renovations to its outdoor facilities that began in 2013. Work continues and more remain possible in the future for the stadium that has been used for more than 120 years.

The extensive renovations include resurfacing its track. The latest improvements were made to the baseball field, leveling the outfield, installing drainage tiles and adding new turf, fencing, dugouts, scoreboard and press box.

'We have received tremendous feedback,” said Cornell Athletics Director John Cochrane, noting future changes could include rebuilt grandstands, restrooms and concession facilities at the football stadium. 'It opens our facilities for use, including high school events.

'Certainly all our varsity programs took advantage of it this spring with the addition of men's and women's lacrosse.”

Cochrane said Cornell has planned more campus improvements, including a better science center.

The lights allowed Cornell to host rival Coe College for its first night football game last fall. The addition also provided the chance to host prep events, serving as the home field for Central City's eight-man football team.

'Just the opportunity to open up our facilities to community high school groups has been a big lift for us,” Cochrane said. 'The lighting has made that possible.”

The project that has cost more than a million dollars has faced a couple hiccups along the way. The baseball field suffered an issue with a drainage tile and the track had to be redone, which is expected to be finished in the next two months.

'It's in the middle of getting resurfaced right now,” Cochrane said.

'That is in part to some damage we received last year during heavy rain. A water main broke that damaged the track.”

Cochrane said the renovations have come in on budget overall. The baseball field had a tighter budget, but the football and lacrosse field came in under projections.

One of the key factors was teaming with Mount Vernon High School, which has shared the field. Both parties receive the benefits for half the cost.

'The relationship we have had with the Mount Vernon School District throughout the construction process on the baseball field has been fantastic,” Cochrane said. 'Neither one of us would have the quality facility we have without each other.

That is really a neat thing.”