Synthetic turf elevates NCAA Softball Facility

Upgrade to synthetic turf included upgrades for other key facility needs

K&W worked with NCAA Division III Cedar Crest College to design upgrades to its Cynthia L. Blaschak Softball Facility. In light of other recent athletic facility improvements on campus, the College wanted to create a state-of-the-art softball facility that enhances play and improves safety for athletes, spectators, and motorists on the adjacent roadway.

The College engaged K&W to design all of the facility and infrastructure work within and directly adjacent to the softball field, including the layout of the new synthetic turf field. Upgraded amenities include: fencing; dugouts; spectator areas; field lighting; a new digital scoreboard; field logos; under-field drainage; and temporary bleachers for 500 spectators. Permanent stadium seating may be added in a future phase.

The new NCAA regulation softball field measures 190 feet to the foul poles and 220 feet to dead centerfield. It provides an all synthetic turf surface with no natural surface cut-outs, two connected synthetic turf bullpens, and new foul poles. It features 6-foot high outfield and baseline fencing and a 40-foot high backstop. 

Enhanced safety measures include the addition of several sections of new ball control netting. There is foul ball protection for the roadway to the south and a future field house to the west. The project is in the latter stages of development, pending approval from the City of Allentown and County Conservation District.

K&W was referred to Cedar Crest College by the Construction Manager on the project due to our reputation for athletic facility design and expertise with synthetic turf. The Pidcock Company, a local engineering firm with a long-standing relationship with the College, is serving as the Civil Engineer, handling all design aspects outside the softball field.