Adams Parks Commissioners Hopeful For Some Russell Field Use
ADAMS, Mass. — The Parks Commissioners are hopeful to host at least one varsity softball game on the renovated Russell Field before the end of the season.
Although Russell Field will not be available for the spring season, Commissioner James Fassell asked that the DPW at least consider allowing a late-season game.
"That is great. Even if it wishful thinking to have one game on Russell Field before the end of the varsity season," Chairman James Fassell said. "A home game against Drury would be on my wishlist."
The complete overhaul of the field is largely complete, however before the field can be used, the grass needs time to establish itself. DPW Director Robert Tobin said the contractor urged the town to wait until the fall before the field is used at all.
"The contractor asked us to abstain from playing on the field until the fall season," he said.
Hoosac Valley Girls softball typically utilizes Russell Field, and the commission was concerned that the team would be without this field. This would only cause more issues with multiple leagues all trying to use a small number of fields in town.
Hoosac Valley Co-Athletic Director Mike Matera said improvements have been made to the Hoosac Valley Fields so currently the school's softball fields are usable.
"It should be ready to go. That should be no problem," he said. "...That would open that up a little bit."
He felt the additional field would alive some of the field congestion
Fassell and Chairwoman Cindy Bird wanted to see at least one game on the field, perhaps late in the season.
Bird felt with softball, actually playing on the grass should be at a minimum.
"Could we sort fo play it by ear because...in theory, most of the players are on in the infield," she said. "There are only three people in the outfield. So maybe we can put that on the back burner."
She added that high school softball essentially lost a season and it would be nice to host senior night, that is towards the end of the season, on the field.
Matera said the issue umbrellaing the entire situation is COVID-19. He said the state has yet to certain if there will be a high school softball season.
Bird felt softball was a bit safer during the pandemic than other sports.
"I am hopeful because we will be outdoors with the continued mask-wearing and social distancing," she said.
Matera agreed and felt if basketball was allowed the state would surely allow highschool softball.
The commission also heard from Lou Moser of ACS Softball league who had questions about two scoreboards they wish to install on Russell and Reid Field.
The two boards were donated to the league by MCLA. he said the league plan to refurbish the boards with LED lights and updated electronics.
"They are older," he said. "They were replaced for a reason, but they are shells and we can work with it."
He said the only lingering issue is an installation which they hoped the town would fund.
There was a concern among the commissioners if the project would fit in the budget along with other field maintenance needs.
They agreed to reach out to local leagues to see if there was a willingness to raise some funds towards the cause or donate labor or services.
"I think was can wait, and I am sure there are volunteers that will step up and make sure their kids have the good stuff," she said.
Moser added that it may be worth holding off on installing both scoreboards. With Russell Field sidelined, it may not be beneficial to tear up Reid Field to install the scoreboard.
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