Category: Duvall Field Page 1 of 2

Duvall Field Final Design Nearing Completion

On September 3, 2022

In Announcements, Development, Duvall Field

After many years of planning and community discussion, the redesign project of City’s Duvall Field is nearing completion. The Mayor and Council will take a look at the latest design and give its fees back at next Tuesday’s meeting. The project team will then work to finalize the design and start construction, which may start sometime late next year.

KCI Technologies, the project’s consultant, has completed 60% design plans for the Phase 2 renovation of Duvall Field and will present them to City Council for feedback on September 6. This follows a community meeting held on July 26, were approximately 21 residents attended and provided comments. The plans were generally well received, and input from the meeting is being incorporated into refined plans.

The new field will have some fantastic features, such as a multipurpose soccer field with natural turf, a walking trail, a baseball field, a basketball court, an event lawn with a stage area, playground. an exercise station, a picnic pavilion, and more.

A few proposed features require further discussion to determine if they should be part of the base bid for construction, included as add-alternates in the bidding documents or deleted from the plans.

(a) Splash Pad: There is community support for this type of water feature, but there is also concern over costs. Installation is estimated at $200,000, including modifications to the existing concession building to convert the storage room to a pump room. Another storage facility will need to be located on-site to accommodate equipment storage for the Boys and Girls Club and others. Maintenance is estimated at $30,000/year.

(b) Amphitheatre Storage Rooms: The proposed amphitheater is a prefabricated structure that does not include any storage facilities. Our Communications and Events staff would like the ability to keep materials and props on site to facilitate set up and execution for events. The estimated cost to design and construct storage incorporated into the amphitheater is $100,000.

(c) Amphitheater Audio/Visual Equipment: Lighting and sound equipment have not been included as part of the amphitheater structure. The design and installation of these features could cost up to $150,000, depending on the nature of the system.

The consultants with their structural engineering team will provide an updated PowerPoint presentation at the Worksession. The community meeting and presentation may be viewed here.

This project is part of the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget. There is an estimated $5.4 million available for Phase 2 construction.

Design Process Begins at Duvall Field Park

By Fazlul Kabir

On January 26, 2021

In Development, Duvall Field

The City has begun the design process for the next phase of improvements at Duvall Field Park.

The City is working with KCI Technologies, Inc. on the project and will have survey crews on site starting the week of January 25.

This will be a two to three week effort.

Please contact Terry Schum in the Planning Department at tschum@collegeparkmd.gov should you have any questions.

Time to Finalize the Duvall Field Design

By Fazlul Kabir

On January 7, 2020

In Development, Duvall Field

At this tonight’s hybrid meeting, meeting, the City Council will discuss and provide direction to staff on final design elements for Duvall Field improvements. About a year ago, City hired a consultant , Greenplay, LLC, who interviewed focus groups, stakeholder, and held community meetings to explore improvements of the fields. A concept plan was prepared and the consultant proposed the following

(1) Reconfigure the athletic/recreational fields to allow Multiple game field configurations and Simultaneous group practices. The consultant proposed a synthetic turf surface

(2) Add an events space containing a stage for performances and movie show, open space, children’s play area, picnic area and informal use.

(3) Add a recreational space for sports like basketball, volleyball, cricket pitch and bounce wall.

Other amenities such as parking, bio-retention, tree preservation and a walking/jogging trail are also included in the plan.

The conceptual plan was generally well-received by the community as evidenced through public comments, although, the consultant’s recommendation to use synthetic turf as the playing field surface has been controversial. In addition to written and public comments received, a petition signed by twelve families opposed to the use of artificial turf and in favor of natural fields was submitted to the Mayor and Council.

Subsequently, the Mayor and Council asked staff to enlist the assistance of the University of Maryland to conduct further research on the pros and cons of synthetic versus natural turf. There was an opportunity to have an Environmental Science and Policy class at the University of Maryland undertake a Capstone Project to conduct this research. The student class reviewed the literature on field surface options and summarized the relative strengths and drawbacks of each field type.

The field types evaluated were native soil/natural grass, modified or engineered soil, and synthetic or artificial turf. The estimated costs for Duvall associated with the installation, maintenance, and replacement for each field type were provided. A decision-making matrix (please see below) was also developed that listed relevant factors associated with player safety, environmental concerns, and practicality for each field type.

(Key: 1 – Best Rating, 3 – Worst rating)

The consultant Greenplay provided an itemized cost estimate totaling $5,621,775 to construct the proposed conceptual plan, which includes $1,456,000 for approximately 112,000 square feet of synthetic turf surface for ball fields. The cost to build the field of the same size with natural grass was estimated at $784,000 – $1,148,000. According to the student report, the cost for synthetic, modified and natural grass are $672,000 – $1,148,000, $308,000 – $448,000 and $67,200 – $336,000 respectively.

Both the Greenplay and student reports concluded that upfront costs would be higher with the installation of synthetic turf and that annual maintenance costs would be higher with natural turf. Long term costs were substantially equal. The Duvall Field Project is funded through the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget and has an unencumbered balance of $5,104,570, which includes bond sale proceeds and State bond bill funds. Additional State bond bill funds and Program Open Space (POS) funding may be available if necessary. Staff is recommending the Council to pursue final design based on a hybrid of modified and natural turf fields.

Council to Discuss Artificial Turf Option in Duvall Field

By Fazlul Kabir

On November 30, 2019

In Council, Development, Duvall Field

An artificial turf field

During the visioning process to determine future Duvall Field improvements, there was a lot of discussion about whether natural grass or synthetic turf should be used as a playing surface.

There were proponents and opponents of both types of surfaces.

The City’s consultant, GreenPlay, LLC recommended synthetic turf as the best type of athletic field to meet the needs of the community.

An opportunity arose to have an Environmental Science class at the University of Maryland explore this topic as a Capstone Project under the supervision of professor Mark J. Carroll. The class has completed a comprehensive analysis of sports field playing surfaces to assist the City in its selection of a playing surface for Duvall Field.

The students will present the results of their research in a PowerPoint presentation at this week’s City Council Worksession to be followed by a written report.

Residents Review Duvall Field Concept Plan

By Fazlul Kabir

On May 14, 2019

In Development, Duvall Field

Yesterday, at Davis Hall, the Duvall Field consultant and the architect presented the concept plan to a community meeting. Here are the major highlights of the plan.

Main field: The plan proposes to turn the south side of the field into a multi-sport field, with the options to play soccer, lacrosse, rugby, baseball and softball etc. The consultant recommends a turf field, allowing different sport groups to practice at different parts of the field concurrently.
Children playground: The playground has been moved from the northern part of the field to the middle – between the concession building and the field. This will keep children at the playground closer to the adults watching the games in the main field where they can also bet on sites like tridewi slot. There could be some safety fencing
Walking trail: The plan shows a 0.3 miles long walking trail around the field. The trail will include a new sidewalk on the 50th place in the neighborhood.
Cricket and Volleyball Fields: A volleyball field and a cricket practice / pitching field have been proposed at the northern part of the field
Lights: Energy efficient LED lights around the main field
Trees: The plan proposes several trees around the south and west part of the field. The consultant also proposes some bio-retention feature to grow a healthy tree root system. Will maintain the existing trees, including the ones at the corner of Delaware Place and 50th Placer.
Parking: Improved traffic circulation. Retaining the same number of space while adding more amenities. Entry/exit from Delaware Place.
Entrance: Proposes a welcoming sign / artwork at the entrance.
A stage for events: The plan shows a circular gathering place with a small stage area near Cheyenne Place.
Cost: The estimate is about $5.5 million. The turf field may cost about $1 million. The City may need to borrow a significant amount along with the amount needed to build the City Hall
Timeline: The consultant will make the same presentation to tonight’s City Council meeting and get the Council’s feedback. After this, the consultant will prepare a report with recommendations. It will take about 2 years to design and complete construction.

All New Duvall Field may have a Multi-Sport Turf, Lighting, Walking Trail, Stage and a Play Area

By Fazlul Kabir

On May 12, 2019

In Development, Duvall Field

Tomorrow, Monday, May 13, at 7 p.m., please join a community meeting at Davis Hall (9217 – 51st Avenue) to see the conceptual plan about the second phase of the Duvall Field project.

The community input received as a result of outreach efforts last winter has been translated by the City’s consultant, Greenplay, LLC, into a conceptual plan with new facilities and amenities.

The draft plan includes features such as synthetic turf that can accommodate a variety of sports like soccer, lacrosse, rugby and softball; new lighting; a walking trail, stage for performances; new children’s play area with pavilion; revamped parking and enhanced landscaping.

A preliminary cost estimate based on the conceptual plan is approximately $5,000,000.

Following tomorrow’s community meeting at Davis Hall, consultants from the Greenplay, LLC and Amol Deshpande, LSG, Landscape Architecture will present the conceptual plan to the City Council. Feedback from these meetings will be used to refine the plan and prepare the final report. A subsequent City Council Worksession will be scheduled to discuss the next steps for the project.

Your feedback will help the City Council to determine which improvements to move forward with.

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Public Meetings: Duvall Field Vision & Planning Project

By Fazlul Kabir

On May 1, 2019

In Announcements, Duvall Field

Monday, May 13, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Davis Hall Tuesday,

May 14, 7:30 p.m.
City Council Regular Meeting at City Hall

The community input received as a result of outreach efforts last winter has been translated by the City’s consultant, Greenplay, LLC, into a conceptual plan with new facilities and amenities.

You are invited to attend a presentation of the proposed plan at one of the meetings listed above. Your feedback is encouraged and will help the City Council to determine which improvements to move forward with.

Please check the project page on the City’s website for updates at www.collegeparkmd.gov/duvallfieldproject.

Public Forum: Duvall Field Visioning & Planning Project

By Fazlul Kabir

On December 22, 2018

In Announcements, Duvall Field

The City of College Park needs your input to determine future improvements at Duvall Field. Please attend this meeting and share your thoughts and ideas for upgrading and prioritizing its facilities, amenities and services. This will help the City to develop a plan to meet community needs and wishes.

• Learn about the project
• Review existing conditions
• Consider new programs and facilities
• Provide feedback

Duvall Field Second Phase Development to Start in December

By Fazlul Kabir

On October 22, 2018

In Development, Duvall Field

At tomorrow’s meeting, the Council will award a contract to assist vision sessions about the next phase of the Duvall Field development contract. The next step will be the preparation of a conceptual plan with community input to determine the other types of facilities and work needed.

This phase may include the reconfiguration of the existing fields, better lighting and other improvements. The scope of services includes the following:

(a) Evaluation of existing information from plans, reports, budgets and mission statements.
(b) Demographic analysis for potential programming.
(c) Stakeholder engagement including a minimum of 4 focus group meetings, 2 community meetings, stakeholder interviews and 2 City Council presentations.
(d) Comprehensive assessment of existing facilities including current condition, functionality, life expectancy and the feasibility of future use or reuse.
(e) Review and profile of nearby competitive facilities and identification of gaps.
(f) Preparation of a conceptual design plan and cost estimate.

The proposed schedule call for the project to get underway by December 1, 2018 and be completed withinfour months.Fiscal Impact:

The project cost of $29,999,000is funded in the Capital Improvement Program budget for Duvall Field and is supported bya$150,000 State bond bill grant. Cover

Hollywood Streetscape and Duvall Field Projects Get State Fundings

By Fazlul Kabir

On April 11, 2018

In Development, Duvall Field, Hollywood Streetscape

The City has recently received good news about two projects in north College Park. They are – the Hollywood Streetscape Project and the Duvall Field renovation project. The City applied for the grant applications to the Maryland Board of Public Works Capital Project grant applications for these two projects.

The Hollywood Steetscape project funds streetscape improvements in the Hollywood Commercial District, located at the intersection of Edgewood Road and Rhode Island Avenue. The project proposes to repurpose segments of the service roads as parklets and to provide pedestrian, bicycle and bus stop enhancements as well as landscaping and pedestrian lighting. The proposed wellness trail along Narragansett Run and Muskogee Street will be postponed until a study to assess the feasibility of daylighting the Narragansett Run is completed. 30% design was completed in FY18 and a $150,000 State bond bill received for further design and construction. The next step is to complete design and construction drawings and go out for construction bids for the first phase of the project north of Rhode Island Avenue.

The first phase the Duvall Field reconstruction project, now completed, involved replacement of the concession and restroom building and construction of a new recreation plaza. The next step will be preparation of a conceptual plan with community input to determine the other types of facilities and work needed. This will be followed by 100% design plans and construction. Funding is provided from a variety of sources including Program Open Space, Community Parks and Playgrounds, State bonds and developer contributions.