Delaware County Christian School Turf Field Construction

Press release from the Township of Radnor:

May 13, 2020

Dear Radnor neighbors,

As you may have seen, DCCS has begun work on the turf field. The permit for construction of the field has been issued by Newtown Township. After meeting with DCCS last week, here’s what we know about the project: the project is slated to be completed by August 1, 2020. The hours of work will be 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM, weekdays, and there may be some Saturday work. The contactor, Mid-Atlantic, informed the Township that they have in place companywide procedures regarding COVID-19 for their projects. Procedures are consistent with published guidelines as well as additional precautions including a handwash station with running water. The Mid-Atlantic ‘Infectious Disease Program’ was vetted and approved by Newtown Township.

The work will only be related to the field; there are no changes to the parking, or access and egress (please see below). The project entails converting the existing field and baseball infield to a turf field, and there is a stormwater component to the construction. There are no lights planned for the site and no infrastructure for future installation of lights is part of this project. Also, the project does not include the installation of a sound system, the same portable system used in the past will be used moving forward. The school is looking to replace the existing four-foot-high split rail fence with a four or six-foot-high estate fence. To install a six-foot-high fence, we believe the school will need relief from Newtown Township with whom they are discussing the issue.

In speaking with Daniel Steinfield, Head of School, we were informed that usage of the field will mirror the 2019 usage and that field activities cease by 7:00 PM. Field permit slots are separated by thirty minutes to allow the cars to exit the parking lot before the group enters. DCCS evaluated parking requirements; based on the fact that usage will not increase, the existing parking lot will suffice for the user’s needs. Also discussed was the school’s previous, more aggressive plan for a turf field, roadways, and parking. We have been informed that DCCS has no plans to move forward with that project.

The Head of School has put forth that DCCS wishes to work with the neighbors and put forth information to our residents. Engineering staff has requested the school consider the installation of trees in the existing buffer to augment the existing trees. Daniel Steinfield met with the Township Manager and Township Engineer and has agreed to further pursue the installation of additional buffering.

As always, Radnor Township will immediately respond to any concerns of our residents. And it must be taken into consideration that Newtown Township, not Radnor, issued the permit and Newtown is solely responsible to address any issues. Radnor Township must work through Newton Township in response to our residents’ concerns.

This press release was produced by the Township of Radnor. The views expressed here are the author’s own.