“We have to do more dirt work than we anticipated on the baseball field, but we want it done right,” said Herrington. “We had to level the playing field because there was such a dropoff in the outfield. That gives you better drainage.

“We hope to install a new irrigation system on the baseball field in the next week or so and we will also have a new drainage system for that field.”

The infield grass will remain untouched.

Bids for the concession stand, restrooms, bleachers, press boxes and dugouts for both the baseball and softball fields will also be opened on Sept. 4.

As of now, the plans are for the baseball and softball fields to be ready for play during the 2010 season.

“We do hope to be playing on those fields next spring, but we don’t know if they will be ready by the start of the season,” said Herrington. “We certainly hope so.”

It is not known at this point how fall practice for baseball and softball will be affected. It depends on the progress of the fields at that time.

Still, the fact work is now being done on the fields is a major step forward and sends a positive message for athletics at JCJC.

“We are excited for these projects to get started,” said Herrington. “It is great to see dirt being moved and we look forward to our teams playing on these new fields.”