ADAMS TWP — Pending municipal approval, two new softball fields will be built near the Mars Centennial School.

The Mars School Board on Tuesday approved the fields after a presentation by landscape architect Stephen Parks, who did a study for the district on the best location for the fields.

The renovation of the two fields on Brickyard Road beside the administration office would not be feasible because of the severe drainage and soil issues. A total rebuild required there would be cost prohibitive, Parks said.

Parks presented an option in which two softball fields would be built on the east end of the Centennial School property on either side of Officer Ed Brooks Drive.

While significant excavation would be required, Parks said some slopes at the site would provide natural seating for spectators.

Ground to the north of the fields, on the west side of Officer Ed Brooks Drive, could be used by the district as a multipurpose field, Parks said.

He estimated the cost for the fields at $494,000 if both were built at the same time. He said it would take about three months.

If the fields were seeded in the fall, they would be ready by the following May or June, Parks said.

He said synthetic turf, which has increased in durability and quality over the past several years, could be added for an extra cost.

Acting Superintendent William Pettigrew recommended to board members that they approve soliciting bids for the two fields.

Pettigrew said the only additional cost would be running electric and water lines to the fields.

He also recommended seeking quotes for artificial turf just to determine an approximate cost.

The school district more than 10 years ago attempted to put athletic fields in at the same property, but were denied by the Middlesex Township supervisors.

Pettigrew said after the meeting Tuesday that the plan would go before the township planning commission and the supervisors, and he hopes that it will be approved this time.

Pettigrew said the fields on Brickyard Road will likely be used by community baseball and softball organizations.