During their October 4th board meeting, the DeSoto Parish School Board unanimously approved a $5,542,274 capital improvement project to enhance the athletic facilities at Mansfield High School. The initiative underscores the Board's commitment to providing top-tier resources and infrastructure for student-athletes, with upgrades spanning baseball, softball, and football facilities.
“Our core value of high performance drives every decision we make, and this project is a testament to that commitment,” said Superintendent Clay Corley.
“By providing state-of-the-art facilities for our student-athletes, we are ensuring that they have the tools needed to excel. It is a blessing that we can complete these upgrades with available funds without having to raise revenue with a bond or additional tax measures. This not only allows us to continue our mission of excellence but also reflects the sound financial stewardship of our district.”
Project Scope:
Covered Practice Facility:
The new covered pavilion structure will include synthetic turf, nets, and lighting for year-round training and practice. The facility will also feature necessary site work, including fencing and paving, ensuring a fully equipped and secure environment for Mansfield High School athletes and auxiliary groups. Located between Kings Highway and the District Facilities and Operations Building, this addition will allow multi-sport use, offering protection from inclement weather and optimizing practice conditions.
Baseball/Softball Field Renovations
New Bleachers and Press Boxes: Both baseball and softball fields will receive new bleachers and construction of new press boxes, enhancing game-day experiences for fans and media alike.
Dugouts: The existing baseball dugouts will be renovated, and new softball dugouts will be constructed, ensuring comfortable and updated facilities for both teams.
Upgraded Field Infrastructure: New chain link backstops will be installed at both fields and existing fencing will be replaced. Improvements will include sitework, grassing, outfield irrigation, and perimeter paving. Additionally, the baseball and softball infields will be converted to synthetic turf, providing enhanced durability and low-maintenance playing surfaces.
"On behalf of our Mansfield district board members, we are thrilled to have reached a solution that delivers a high-quality outcome and comes in under the original budget,” said Alice Thomas Finance Chairwoman.
“ All parties involved worked tirelessly to ensure we secured the lowest bid, and we are proud of the collaboration it took to make this happen. This project represents our commitment to a positive and caring culture for our Mansfield High School students. By making a difference through these improvements, we ensure that our student groups and athletes have the resources they need to succeed. These facilities will elevate our athletic programs and foster pride and support from our community."
District 10 Board Member Bobby Boyd expressed his appreciation for the collective efforts behind this initiative, stating,
"We want to thank everyone involved for their continuous work in finding an option that will benefit Mansfield High School students for years to come. These infrastructure updates will improve the facilities and have a lasting impact on the overall campus."
These upgrades represent a significant investment in the future of Mansfield High School's athletic programs. They will promote safety, convenience, and improved facilities for athletes, coaches, and fans. Construction will begin soon, with completion expected no later than September 2025.