Morgan State University (MSU) is a Historically Black College & University (HBCU) situated in Baltimore, Md., whose institutional mission includes urban ecology and community connection. This ballfield project is a collaboration among the university, the city of Baltimore and a neighborhood baseball league.
The existing site includes three fields used by the Northwood Baseball League, one of the oldest African-American leagues in the state. These fields are owned by the city and leased to the league for their use and upkeep. The existing athletic facilities at MSU do not include any softball fields that meet NCAA standards; with no suitable collegiate field, the team could not host any home games.
The existing Little League fields did not meet standards and were in disrepair. MSU agreed to renovate those existing fields and build an additional softball field to NCAA standards; in exchange, MSU would be able to use this new field. Ultimately, the project will include construction of a fieldhouse, including a concession stand, office and meeting space, storage and public restrooms, as well as field lighting, irrigation and bleachers.
The project was designed with a budget of $5 million by landscape architect Mahan Rykiel Associates (Baltimore). Construction is expected to begin in June, and the fields are expected to be completed in time for the Spring 2011 season.
