Submitted Photo Pictured, from left, are: Tage Coil, Chautauqua Lake building and grounds; Nick Fisher, building and grounds; Bryan Bongiovanni, athletic director; Troy Cooper, building and grounds; Kelly Ulsh, jayvee softball coach; Nick Green, building and grounds; Katie Yudin, varsity softball coach; John McKane, director of facilities; Mike Cummings, assistant baseball coach; Matt Cummings varsity baseball coach; and Josh Liddell, superintendent.

MAYVILLE — Chautauqua Lake Central School District recently announced the completion of extensive upgrades to its baseball and softball fields.

These improvements are designed to enhance both the quality of play and the overall experience for student-athletes and spectators.

Key upgrades to the baseball field include the installation of new drainage systems in the left field, backstop and dugout areas aimed at reducing water retention and ensuring the fields remain playable even during periods of inclement weather. Following a precision laser-leveling process, the baseball field received 90 tons of premium infield mix, which was carefully spread to create a smooth, consistent playing surface. The perimeter of the skinned area has been edged, while the pitching mound and home plate were refurbished. Any disturbed areas were also repaired with topsoil, seed, and mulch to promote growth and ensure a green field in time for the spring season.

Similarly, the softball field was treated to 25 tons of fresh infield mix, and the skinned areas were properly edged to create a professional-grade surface. Drainage was also added in the spectator areas.

These enhancements will allow athletes to access the fields earlier in the spring and provide optimal playing conditions throughout the season.

“It was a great team effort to get our ball fields refurbished and ready for this coming spring season,” said Superintendent Josh Liddell. “Our dedicated grounds crew collaborated with Highland Acres Landscaping Company, following the guidance of our coaches and athletic director to prioritize the key areas that needed attention. Given the historically wet conditions in the spring, we believe these upgrades will offer a safer, drier, and more reliable playing surface. We’re also moving forward with plans to construct a batting cage and pitching area between the two varsity fields. Our coaches and athletes are looking forward to the improvements, and we’re excited to see them back on the fields this spring.”