Lynn seeks bids to replace turf at Fraser Field

LYNN – The bid is out to replace the 11-year-old artificial turf at Fraser Field.The proposal is to replace not only the traditional infield but to expand the turf to include the baseline as well “so the only dirt on the field will be on the mound,” said Community Development’s John Kasian, who oversees operations at Manning and Fraser fields.Kasian said technology has changed since the original turf was installed in 2002 as a joint project between the city and then Fraser tenant, North Shore Spirit. Although some have criticized covering the baseline, Kasian said it makes sense from the players’ perspective.Fisher College, which has a contract with the city to use Fraser Field, has its first game next March 22.”How do you get the field ready for March?” Kasian asked.As any New Englander knows, snow can jeopardize early spring games but Kasian said with artificial turf on the baselines as well as the infield there is nothing to prepare but the mound.Area high school games start in April and Kasian said traditionally that involves much craziness when it comes to getting the field ready for the season.”But we won’t have to do that now,” he said. “Even if it rains the day before or it’s 40 degrees, it will be fine.”Drainage issues were taken care of last year so Kasian said he isn’t expecting any spring flooding issues.”Salem State went full turf, they included the outfield and they’ve had wonderful success,” he added.Kasian said there is no plan to expand the artificial turf to the outfield, explaining that would be cost prohibitive. As it stands, the infield project is estimated to cost $300,000. He said $200,000 would come from the $4 million bond the City Council approved last spring and $56,000 will come from the Fisher College license agreement. The remainder will come from the Navigators’ lease agreement, which General Manager Bill Terlecky paid up front.Kasian said he would have a better idea on the actual cost of the project when bids are opened at the end of September.”The idea is around the end of September we’ll make a selection and early- to mid-October construction will begin,” he said. “We want it done before the cold weather sets in. We really need to do it then because the first game is March 22 and snow is not out of the question.”