Leo Santaballa Field Initiative

1. Leo Santaballa Field Initiative PRESENTED BY

2. Background on Our Program • Founded in 1996, the Great Falls Lacrosse Association “GFLA” serves: • Approximately 570 boys and girls in our Spring lacrosse programs • 370 + in our Fall lacrosse programs (boys and girls) • 120 girls in our recently launched Fall field hockey program • There are over 400 Great Falls families associated with our program • We are one of the largest lacrosse programs in Northern Virginia • We offer an opportunity for players of all experience and skill levels to enjoy the game at ages 4 to 17 • We are a community based program with virtually all of our players living within the Langley High School Pyramid • Many players have gone on to play at exceptional high school and collegiate programs • We recently launched a Fall field hockey program in response to community interest

3. Our Challenges • Our program has grown significantly • Despite that growth we have only seen marginal increases in field allocation • Weather in the Spring is unpredictable and we currently rely on three natural grass surfaces (including Leo Santaballa) for virtually all of our practices • Great Falls Lacrosse played a key role in the building of the field at Leo Santaballa approximately 15 years ago in cooperation with the County and other community leaders – a lease with the BOS governs our use of the field • The field at Leo Santaballa Park is in need of significant refurbishment and, with the support of the County, GFLA is interested in providing a quality all weather surface for the youth of Great Falls

4. Our Current Use of Leo • Leo Santaballa is one of three fields we have exclusive access to for practices during the lacrosse season and the only County field time we have on in the Fall • Current Spring usage: • Practice five days per week (5:00 to 8:00) • Practices / clinics on Saturday (likely to include field hockey in 2011) • Girls games on Sundays (start at noon) • Current Fall usage: • Field hockey practices three days per week (5:00 to dark) • Fall lacrosse practices two days per week (5:00 to dark) • Saturday (boys lacrosse clinics and girls field hockey) • Sunday (girls lacrosse clinics – start at noon) • The field is closed in the Winter

5. Potential Changes Use of Leo • Lights are not part of the ongoing plans for this field • Usage patterns should not change with the exception of: • Winter usage by us or other County approved entities • Possible use on Sunday mornings (lacrosse games are not currently scheduled for Sunday mornings)

6. The Project • GFLA has been working closely with the County to develop a plan to convert the field at Leo Santaballa from natural grass to a synthetic surface • We are well on our way to securing the financial commitments necessary to fund the redevelopment of the field, including individual and corporate contributions, bank financing (commitment letter in hand), and a grant from the County • Total project cost (including contingencies) = $850,000 (GFLA’s piece = $700,000) • Some of the notable changes to the present field conditions include: • Improved drainage and control of storm run off (part of our cost) • An extension to the North End of the field to bring it into proper dimensions and provide required safety buffers (will discuss) • Upgrade to walkways • Improvements to the overall appearance of the field

7. A Look from Above

8. The Timeline • GFLA has held detailed conversations with the Synthetic Turf Fields Branch (“STFB”) of the Park Authority’s Planning and Development Division • They would manage the project on behalf of the Board of Supervisors • It is generally an eight to nine month process from start to finish (including design and permitting) • The actual construction phase of the project is very limited – 60 to 90 days -- assuming a January start, the bulk of construction would fall during the Summer months • STFB has significant experience coordinating construction schedules around heavily used facilities and is confident of their ability to minimize disruption from the construction of this field (see following page) • Assuming a start in January 2011, our goal would be to complete the project in time for our Fall Lacrosse and Field Hockey programs in September 2011

9. Other “Close In” Field Projects • STFB has recently completed the following turf field projects located close to schools or other public buildings: • Hutchison Park adjacent to Hutchison Elementary School • Bailey's Park adjacent to Bailey's Elementary School and Library • Bryant School field • Carl Sandburg School field • Ossian Hall Park adjacent to Annandale High School

10. Why Undertake This Project? • Field space is at a premium during our primary season (Spring only) and unpredictable weather compounds the problem • Since its construction 15 years ago, the field at Leo Santaballa has provided the youth of Great Falls with an opportunity to pursue their interest in lacrosse and other sports in a safe and family friendly environment; however it is in need of significant refurbishment • Strong support for this project has been voiced by our member families and others in our community • We feel an all weather field at Leo Santaballa would be a great resource for the youth of our community