ADAMS TWP — Work for the new softball fields at the Mars School District is “ahead of schedule,” according to school board and construction officials.

“I drove over there and there are things that actually look like the shape of a field,” school board President Dayle Ferguson said. “There is really nice progress.”

Jonathan Murin of Glassport-based contractor Murin and Murn said while this is the case, more topsoil is needed for the two fields.

“I figured this to have about 4,800 cubic yards (of topsoil),” Murin said. “Right now I’ve moved about 8,600 which is about double. I have to take that 3,600 cubic yards and stockpile it.”

The board approved a change order for $28,600, most of which will go toward the topsoil placement by the contracting company. Piping also will be installed to address a spring issue at the field site.

Murin said work on the soil should be completed by “a week or two before Christmas.” However, if weather conditions are favorable, it could be done sooner.

One of the fields will have artificial turf while the other will be covered with grass.

The board approved buying the artificial turf at a cost to not exceed $165,365, minus labor costs, subject to the school district.

Murin and Murn will also be paid $210,341 for field preparation work.

“That was not part of the initial scope of work,” Superintendent Wesley Shipley said of the turf.

Both change orders were approved after the board convened for an executive session.

“This process was almost as difficult as we put it in the first place,” Ferguson said. “It’s been one heck of a project.”

Another potential change for the fields is decreasing the height of the fences surrounding them from eight feet to five feet.

The fields are scheduled for use by the junior varsity and varsity softball teams this spring.

Shipley said the change in plans “hopefully” will not affect the completion date.

The project is one of several that is being funded by a $10 million bond the school board approved earlier this year. It is aimed to help with parking issues for the current fields near the school administrative offices, which will remain school district property.