CURRENT FUNDS RAISED THROUGH OTHER DONATIONS: $410,400

Website: https://tinyurl.com/turfseward

The Seward Youth & Community Club is sponsoring the Plum Creek Sports & Turf Campaign to improve the Plum Creek Memorial Field within the Plum Creek Sports Complex located on Karol Kay Blvd in Seward, NE. Memorial Field has been home to the Concordia Bulldog Baseball Team and the Seward High School Baseball & Seward Legion Baseball teams for over 40 years. The West softball field serves as home to the Concordia Bulldog Softball Team, Seward High School Softball Team along with numerous Jr Jays baseball teams, Seward Jazz softball teams, and Seward Rec Softball and baseball teams. The campaign seeks to raise $1M by July 2025.

The committee is seeking improvements to the turf with expansion plans for more turf fields, improved facilities, lighting, and equipment in a second and possibly third phase. The primary focus of the project would be to artificial turf the infield and foul lines to the foul poles in the outfield on both the baseball and softball fields.

Project Objectives:

Replace the natural infield with state-of-the-art artificial turf from the in-field areas to the foul lines and dugout areas on both fields. The baseball field will be equipped with base plugs at 60’, 65’ 70’, 80’, and 90’ ensuring all ages of baseball and softball could use the field. It would also have a temporary fence to use for softball and the younger ages of baseball. The baseball field would also have a portable mound that can be moved to different distances and taken off the field for softball games. The softball field would have plugs at 60’ and 65’. All ages of softball would be able to play on the fields along with the younger ages of baseball.
The foul lines in the outfield would be permanent in turf on both baseball and softball fields.
Full turf bullpens at the baseball fields would be added. Finish the turf in softball bullpens built in 2022.
Upgrade the field's drainage system to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Expand participation and access to the field, making it available for community use, school programs, and local sports leagues, fostering inclusivity and accessibility to all residents.

Timeline: July 2025

Benefits:

The installation of artificial turf in the infield offers numerous benefits, including increased accessibility, a reliable playing surface for extended seasonal use, reduced risk of injuries, less maintenance compared to natural grass, water conservation, faster drying time after rain to minimize delays, and more control over playing surface characteristics such as ball bounce and player traction. Artificial turf can be used for a variety of sports and activities beyond baseball, providing a versatile playing surface for different events and community activities.

Adding artificial turf to the Plum Creek Memorial field would have substantial community and youth impact. Artificial turf can expand Seward’s existing capabilities for hosting city and regional tournaments, increase local business, attract youth programs and camps, and create sponsorship opportunities for local businesses, providing them with visibility and advertising space, while also generating revenue to support ongoing maintenance and programs. By providing a well-maintained facility, we aim to contribute to the health and wellness of our community members, encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle.

Plum Creek Sports & Turf Campaign

SEWARD NEBRASKA