Footballs, Frisbees -- a field for all

From Frisbee to football and intramurals to Greek events, the student experience at Heidelberg got a boost today when the college broke ground on a new recreation and athletic field. A large contingent of students, coaches, faculty and staff and trustees, along with Tiffin Mayor Jim Boroff, ’73, and contractors participated in the ground-breaking ceremony.

 

The $1.4 million, three-month project – Phase 1 of a planned recreation and athletic complex – involves replacing natural turf with synthetic turf at Mayer Field, installing new lighting to accommodate night events, and other aesthetic improvements.

 
 The renovated field will be used for athletic and intramural games for all students. The 400-meter track will be restriped and the current chain-link fence that surrounds the facility will be replaced with a wrought-iron fence and stone columns. Additionally, a new scoreboard will be installed, along with security lighting.

 

 Another component of Phase 1 will be construction of a soccer game field at Hidden Valley, which currently serves as a practice facility for the men’s and women’s soccer teams. The scoreboard at Mayer Field will be moved to Hidden Valley.

 

 "The vision for this project represents campus spirit and pride, student engagement, recreation and wellness and the cooperative spirit with the Tiffin community,” said Dr. Jim Troha, vice president for Student Affairs and Dean of Students.  “It is a small piece of a larger commitment to transform the student experience at Heidelberg.”

 
President F. Dominic Dottavio agreed, adding, “This project is critically important for the future of Heidelberg and for every student who comes through here.”

 

 Dottavio emphasized the idea that the renovated facility – which he called the “new campus lawn” – will benefit all students.  “We want every student to feel a part of this, and we expect it will serve their needs in important ways by providing more opportunities for organized and intramural activities.”

 

 Additionally, Dottavio said he believes the improvements will be a source of community pride. “We would like this to be an important community resource as we strive to be an active partner with our neighbors in Tiffin. “

According to Bob Hunt, director of development for the Recreation and Activity Complex, the college will move forward with the second phase of the project – construction of a recreation and activity complex that will include an indoor track, athletic offices and locker rooms and four multi-purpose courts, all of which will be available for use by all students – as funding becomes available.

 

Hunt said he hopes the new facilities will serve to promote and encourage an active lifestyle among students during their time on campus and after they graduate.

 

Keenan Jones, who will serve as president of Heidelberg’s Student Senate next year, drew a parallel between the re-emergence of the Cleveland Browns and the renovation project. “Today marks a new era … for Heidelberg,” he said. “This is significant because of the recreation center, but more importantly, it’s a significant time of growth and strength at Heidelberg.”

 

 

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