The Marshalltown Community School District board voted unanimously on Aug. 4 to accept a quote from Ogden Turf to renovate the high school baseball and softball infields and to address safety and drainage concerns.

Ryan (district athletics/program representative) described the project scope: level and regrade infield lips at first and third base, restore pitching balance and home‑plate drainage, and replace the softball infield with appropriate infield mix (material similar to mixes used at state tournament venues). He said Ogden Turf’s operator has experience managing professional and amateur turf installations and that the work would take about a week and could start in late August or early September.

Nut graf: Board members said the baseball lips pose a safety hazard for defensive plays and that the softball infield material is not appropriate for sliding and competition. The district approved the quote and noted drainage work for the infield will be performed; staff said larger drainage improvements in the stadium complex are being studied and may be presented to the board separately.

Details and funding
- Presenter said the quoted work addresses immediate safety and playability issues: lips at the infield/outfield interface, pitching mound balance, home plate water problems, and replacement of the softball infield with a Dura Edge‑type infield mix.
- The bid includes some drainage improvements in the infield; staff said they are evaluating additional drainage work in the stadium area as a separate item.

Board action
- Motion to approve Ogden Turf and grading renovation of the high school baseball and softball fields as presented.
- Outcome: Passed 6‑0.

Ending: Staff and coaches said the renovations will improve safety and matchfield conditions to peer venues; construction timing will be coordinated to be complete before next season.