New synthetic turf fields, dugouts, and covered batting cages at Lehman HS.
Hays Consolidated Independent School District’s May 2023 bond approval gave the nod for the district to convert their six baseball and softball fields to synthetic turf, as well as other surrounding facility improvements for Hays and Lehman High Schools. Motivation for synthetic turf field conversions stemmed from a need for better playability opportunities related to weather, decrease of field maintenance for coaches, and increased public use for youth programs and UIL teams in the postseason. Eager to play the spring 2024 season on their new fields, Hays CISD chose longtime sports construction partner of the district, Paragon Sports Constructors, to complete the tight deadline.
PSC & HAYS CISD RELATIONSHIP
Since 2016, Hays CISD has chosen Paragon for multiple athletic renovation projects across the district, including their multipurpose field turf replacements, running track resurfaces, and tennis court resurfacing. While Hays CISD has grown as a district over the years, PSC has expanded its capabilities in stadium construction and project complexity, making an ideal pairing for the baseball-softball renovation projects. Hays CISD chose Paragon for their reputation, previous dealings with their team, and product quality, especially related to softball & baseball. Paragon’s commitment to meet the district’s needs for the construction and installation timeline sealed the decision.
Completed baseball & softball fields at Johnson High School.
“It is with great pleasure that I highly recommend Paragon Sports Constructors to any school district, institution, municipality, or entity wanting to pursue a similar turf and construction project. Paragon’s quality of work, quality of product, quality of service, quality of installation, and quality of their people are unmatched in the industry.”
Lance Moffett, Hays CISD Athletic Director
project scope
Demo of six existing grass fields
Excavation of subgrade & compaction to proper density & moisture
Installation of select fill
Concrete curb, drainage system with pipe, liner & drain stone layer
Installation of synthetic turf system
Hays HS: Installation of covered batting cage structures
Lehman HS: Installation of CMU block dugouts, backstop wall, covered batting cage structures, and bleachers
Construction at Hays Lehman HS.
“The professionalism of the entire Paragon team was amazing, as was their ability to deliver in a manner promised, and their ability to problem solve and generate solutions to complex and detailed situations. We, and our community were extremely proud when all six of our teams were able to complete their 2024 season playing on their new turf fields.”
Lance Moffett, Hays CISD Athletic Director
baseball & softball: the unique diffrence
When reviewing turf product options for their fields, Hays CISD’s athletic administration and coaches favored the Shaw Sports Turf B1K system for its different density and pile length used throughout the field, resembling a natural grass baseball field. Paragon’s method of securing the pitcher’s mound and batter’s box panels instead of using Velcro also appealed to the district. The fields’ infill consists of sand, rubber, and GeoFill blend. Geofill, a natural coconut fiber infill, can absorb and retain moisture, releasing it over time and providing evaporative cooling to the surface as needed.
“Our May 2023 Bond passed, and we were hopeful to get our three high school softball and three high school baseball fields done so that our teams could play on their new fields in the 2024 season. Our hopes created an extremely tight timeline and Paragon was more than willing to do “whatever it took” to get the projects done.”
Lance Moffett, Hays CISD Athletic Director
Completed softball field at Hays High School.
community impact
The new baseball and softball fields provide Hays CISD the opportunity to host playoff games and preseason tournaments, as well as select and youth programs, impacting the local economy through hotels, restaurants, and shopping. Hays CISD plans to host a district-wide softball and baseball tournament in the 2025 season, with hopes of it becoming a marquee event in the state and central Texas.
As a turn-key athletic facility services provider, Paragon Sports Constructors understands the complexities of installing and maintaining sports facilities. We aim to be your long-term partner by being honest, transparent, and ensuring peak performance for your facilities for years to come. Put our team to work for yours.
PROJECT DETAILS
Baseball Fields:Grass areas Shaw Sports Turf Legion Pro / Base path & pitcher’s mound Shaw Sports Turf TruHop / Warning Track Shaw Sports Turf Momentum Pro / Infill Sand, Rubber & GeoFill
Paragon Sports Constructors is a turn-key contractor of natural and synthetic turf sports fields, running tracks and tennis courts based in Fort Worth, Texas. With over 40 years of sports construction experience they are one of the premier sports field and running track contractors in the South-Central United States. Paragon Sports Constructors is a member of the American Sports Builders Association who remains focused on quality construction practices, choosing to partner with top brand name manufacturers of synthetic turf and track surfacing to provide clients a consistently high-quality project from planning to first use. For more information on Paragon Sports Constructors please visit www.paragon-sports.com, or follow them on social media at LinkedIN, Twitter, and Facebook.
