Duvall Field Set for Much-Needed Renovation

Duvall Field, located on the north end of College Park, is patiently awaiting a much needed face-lift. The field, which is used mainly by the College Park Boys & Girls Club and the Maryland Stingers Women's Rugby Club, has not been renovated since 1977.

Plans for the renovation were finalized last year, but due to a lack of funding, ground has not been broken at the park. Because the full dollar amount needed for the renovation has not yet been attained, the city is opting to reconstruct the park in phases. Progression to different phases is planned to take place as more money is procured.

The estimated cost of the overall project stands at $4.6 million, according to Elisa Vitale, a senior planner with the College Park Department of Planning, Community & Economic Development

Despite the heavy cost, Vitale remains excited about the new amenities the restored field would include. 

"The restoration of the park will include new fencing, new lighting, a new irrigation system, a fitness trail with fitness stations, a new walkway and a new field," she said.

The first phase of the project is to transform the current concession stand into a two-story building complete with handicap accessible restrooms and storage. The estimated cost of this initially project is $520,000. Work has not yet begun as a Community Parks & Playgrounds grant worth $180,000 still must be finalized.

The Boys & Girls Club has already secured $75,000 through a state bond bill, which still needs to be matched. The club uses the field for lacrosse, baseball, T-ball, softball, soccer and football.

The Maryland Stingers use the field bi-weekly for rugby practice, and local residents make their way to Duvall Field for recreational sporting use.

The idea of the proposed renovation resonates well with College Park residents, such as recent University of Maryland graduate Kameahle Christopher.

"It will help beautify the city of College Park and surrounding communities, as well as provide leisure opportunities for families and youth to have good, old-fashioned fun," Christopher said.   

The funds that are currently available for the renovations include $84,000 of city funds, $35,000 in Program Open Space funds, $75,000 from a state bond bill and $146,000 of Community Parks and Playgrounds grant funding, according to the city council.

City officials hope further grant funding will continue to funnel in to help support the project.