Murray State University Athletics
Murray State and Murray Calloway County Parks & Recreation: A Winning Team
8/7/2009 7:30:00 PM | Softball
When Murray State Director of Athletics Allen Ward began studying the feasibility of adding softball to the varsity line-up, one of the first things he had to figure out was where to play. He quickly recalled that he faced the same dilemma when he was in Texas and hoped for a similar win-win solution.
There a partnership was formed with the city, in which the athletic program would be allowed use of a field in exchange for significant upgrades to the facility that would remain the property of the city parks.
“I remember that we made significant improvements to the facility that likely wouldn't have been made without the partnership that was formed,” said Ward. “We were able to secure use of a softball field and the city now had use of a championship caliber field. It was definitely beneficial to both parties”.
Ward decided to approach the Murray-Calloway County Parks & Recreation director, Matt Martin, with the same type offer.
“Matt is always looking for ways to improve the fields,” Ward stated. “So when I first approached him about a Murray State – MCCPR partnership, and the investment we would make in the field, he was all for it.”
“First and foremost, I was intrigued at the potential investment being made to one of our fields,” Martin said. “Murray State is a big part of our community, and the start-up of softball has a lot of people excited. To partner with Murray State and also benefit from the field improvements is a great opportunity.”
Construction is well underway in preparation for the upcoming season. The field will sport new infield and outfield surfaces, enclosed dugouts, new backstop and netting, new outfield and perimeter fencing, a new irrigation system, and a new scoreboard. A bullpen and batting cage will also be part of the field makeover. Future plans could include restroom facilities, expanded spectator seating, and concessions.
“We've made quite an investment, but it was necessary to bring the field to NCAA standards and provide a field suitable for a Division I softball program,” Ward said. “It's obvious from the feedback I'm receiving, the softball program is important to the university and the community. It's gratifying that we will have a nice place to play and the city and community will benefit from it as well.”
Murray State and MCCPR entered into an initial four-year agreement that provides the new softball program with use of Field #5 on Chestnut Street for practice and competitions. MCCPR will continue to have use of the field for their own events not conflicting with team practices and games.
“I'd like to put some highlighted events on the field after softball season is over,” stated Martin. “It's going to be a top-notch field, so we're going to want to take care of it. Maybe we can play tournament championship games there and make it a special event.”
How long will Murray State make this their home?
“Well, that depends,” said Ward. “At some point we'll study what opportunities might exist to move on campus. But until then, this partnership puts us about as close as you can get and the location will provide some welcome visibility for Racer Softball. It also promotes the win-win relationship we've been able to forge thanks to Matt and MCCPR. And in the end, they will be left with a championship caliber field.”
