On November 20, Sherwood students received a Remind notification from Principal Tim Britton regarding the construction of the softball field that began the next day. In the preliminary stage of construction, trees will be cut down in the upper field area beyond the greenhouse and taped off with hazard tape and signs preventing students from loitering around the area for safety.

Bleachers for fans, the scoreboard, an irrigation system in the outfield, a permanent fence in the outfield, and dugouts, are a few upgrades made in the renovation of the new field. A closer field for easier access to the school for safety and security is one of its main highlights, as well as that there would be easier access to indoor restrooms for spectators.

The current field of the softball program has many issues. It is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) because the field is not properly accessible to those with disabilities, as well as the elderly. The plans for the new field aim to address these issues.

The location of the field was isolated behind the tennis courts. “Some people did not even know if we had a field and had trouble finding it since it is currently behind the practice fields,” said Coach Ashley Barber-Strunk. “The old field had spectators having to walk around lacrosse practices, which they were unable to cut through with the gully and uneven grounding.”

Renovation of the facility had been a goal of Athletic Director Jason Woodward since April of 2019 when he requested relocating the field but didn’t receive approval from county officials. “Funding was challenging,” stated Woodward. “The majority of it came from Senator [Craig] Zucker. MCPS added additional funding for things like the new bleachers and scoreboard.” Sherwood is contributing money as well for construction, along with softball and The Warrior Club.

The upgrades will make it easier and more accessible for spectators, which can in turn increase the fan engagement at games. Compared to other softball facilities in MCPS, Sherwood’s, “will be on par with other high school softball facilities, like Gaithersburg, Wheaton, and others.” said Woodward. The date for completion varies depending on the weather and other external circumstances. On top of that, the extensive permitting process slowed the scheduling down. The softball facility should be ready  around March just in time for the start of the softball season.