1) What is the University’s plan for use of the athletic fields?
The University plans to use the athletic fields for its intercollegiate, club and intramural sports, including baseball, softball, tennis and field hockey.
2) When will Saint Joseph’s University varsity baseball, softball and field hockey games be played?
Weekday games are usually at 3 p.m. Weekend games are usually at noon. Baseball and softball are spring sports (mid-March to mid-May); practices and scrimmages are held in the fall. Field hockey is a fall sport (mid-Aug.-early Nov.), with practices and scrimmages in the spring.
3) Will Saint Joseph’s University be playing games at night?
No. The University will be using the fields during daylight hours only and has no plans to install lighting for use after dark.
4) How many spectators typically attend an SJU varsity baseball, softball or field hockey contest?
These sports usually draw fewer than 100 people.
5) How many seats are planned for the three fields?
There will be fewer bleacher seats (800) than maintained by Episcopal Academy (1,100). Bleacher seating plans are for 200 for varsity field hockey, 200 for varsity softball and 400 for varsity baseball.
6) Will Saint Joseph’s University be playing football on the Maguire Campus?
SJU does not have a varsity football team. Our students play intramural flag football for men’s, women’s and co-ed teams.
7) What are the University’s plans for a public address system?
Our plans are for a professionally designed sound system typically used in a collegiate setting that will be in full compliance with the Lower Merion Township Noise Ordinance. The sound level from the speakers will be set so that it cannot exceed the levels permitted by Township Ordinance.
8) Why is SJU planning to install artificial turf on the playing fields?
The University plans to install artificial surfaces on all three varsity fields. These multi-purpose fields require less maintenance, improve drainage and are more cost/labor-effective.
9) Why is the University installing poles and netting at the baseball field?
Netting along left field will reduce the possibility of balls flying into or across Latches Lane. Mature trees and other landscaping will be planted to reduce the visibility of the netting and poles.
10) Where will spectators park when attending games on the Maguire Campus?
Visitors and buses will be directed to Lapsley Lane on the Saint Joseph’s University campus for parking and pedestrian access to the Maguire Campus. Visitors will also be able to park in the open lot off Latches Lane.
11) Will there be a Saint Joseph’s University security presence on the new campus?
SJU security currently patrols the Maguire Campus on foot, on bicycle patrol and in marked security vehicles.
12) What other features of the plan address use of the Maguire Campus?
The land development plans submitted to the Board of Commissioners include (a) extensive landscaping around the perimeter of the property; (b) effective storm water facilities; and (c) reconfiguring the baseball diamond to be 70’ further from Latches Lane.
13) How has the University communicated with the neighbors in Lower Merion Township?
Beginning in January 2008, Saint Joseph’s has worked closely the Lower Merion neighbors, civic groups and elected officials on the proposed enhancements to the athletic fields on the Maguire Campus.
- Saint Joseph’s has hosted or attended at least 20 meetings, including Merion Civic Association meetings; large community meetings; smaller meetings with York Lynne, Berwick Road, Raynham Road and Bala Cynwyd neighbors and the Latches Lane Labor Day Pool Party, as well as informal get-togethers in neighbors’ homes.
- At more than one open meeting hosted by the University, Saint Joseph’s brought in civil engineers, a landscape architect and an acoustics expert to address neighbors’ concerns and answer questions.
- Between mid-August and mid-December 2008, SJU sent three Community Updates in the form of letters that were mailed and emailed to our neighbors. (Letter 1, Letter 2, Letter 3)
