Apex Friendship High School
Founded in 2015, the high school athletic program has 26 sports competing in the 4AA South Wake Conference. The school is off to a great start academically & in it’s athletic program.
Patriots Athletic Club is a non profit booster club which funds the development of basic facilities as well as annual operating costs of the athletic program.
This document lists some of the proposed projects completed and or now under consideration that need funding support.
Apex Friendship Founders Club - Completed 2018
Table of Contents
Football/ Lacrosse Storage
Softball/ Baseball Restroom & Concession
Softball/ Baseball Bullpens
Baseball / Softball Field Drainage
Baseball Dugout Rails
Stadium Press Box
Baseball/ Softball stands
Lacrosse Practice Field Backstop
Softball Audio System
Softball Outfield Fence / Warning Track
Football / Lacrosse Storage
SITUATION: Sports have limited storage for equipment and uniforms.
TARGET: segregated secure 300 squared feet in back section of a 20Wx 50D room behind an the gym.
PROPOSAL:
In the 20’ wide room provide two 16x10 gated storage by installing 30 LF of interior chain link fencing plus (2) 3’ gates. Fencing should be 8’ in height.
- All is required is one 16 foot run up middle with back pole bracketed to back wall. Then (2) 7 foot runs from each side with both side poles bracketed to side walls. Two inward swinging 3’ gates center pole both swinging to middle 16’ fence.
All poles should be bracketed cement floor. One back and two side poles should be bracketed to walls as stated above.
(7) poles;30 LF chain link fencing 8’ in height with upper and lower rails (specify strength).
(2) 3’ gates.
Cost: Estimate:
Fencing - 3,800
ON HOLD. Alternate outside storage may provide effective solution long term. Currently multiple storage being utilized.
Alternative considered: Utilize ceiling height and install prefabricated mezzanine
Baseball Backstop
SITUATION:
Baseball field currently has a chain link fence a very deep 60 feet behind home plate. The long straight line fence creates a restricted the view of playing field for spectators.
TARGET:
The program wishes to have a backstop at 45’-48’, replacing chain link fence with traditional masonry backstop and netting. This backstop would be at 20% angle to improve the spectator view.
PROPOSAL:
Install masonry backstop wall is approximately 178LF using split face block with 30” in height. This block has been donated and available at any time.
There will be a white cap with eyebolts 4’ OC to secure the net. There will be poles for netting, we are assuming should be placed behind the wall. Moving up will be by removing current back line of poles and have backstop align to the next set of poles. Sidelines existing 4 inch poles as they are currently configured.
Planned for summer of 2020.
Footing and Masonry Demensions
Install (2) 4” x 30’ x PP40 Black poles in middle up approx 14 feet in line with second poles on side making back stop depth 46’.
Replace small poles beside dugout with 4” poles described above. Note: reuse poles in batting cage area to add strength to the cables holding up nets.
ADDITIONAL SPECIFICATIONS:
We would need to set the eyebolts when setting the cap - masonry.
Note: Considered initially to keep posts and top two chain link panels to create a pitchers eye. Second alternative is remove poles for reuse by cutting them at surface level reducing effective height by 4-6 feet. If removal is chosen (7) 4” poles would be removed.
On hold
Baseball - Batting Cages
SITUATION:
Current cages have two netted bays placed on a raised platform of 80’ x 40 ‘ of treated timber walls filled with fine gravel. The 2 tunnels are limited and the structure lacks strength to support cable span that long. The system isn’t designed from the stress of 72’ cages and have snapped in inclement weather.
TARGET:
Two or three bays plus a large section form multiple tee work stations. Address issue of cable tightened against loops which are not adequate to hold weight especially in inclement weather. Needs 8 poles to recable and secure.
Ideally cages are roofed and turfed to allow for practice during rain.
PROPOSAL:
Add additional 24’x80 platform on NE side of existing cages. Use pressure treated 6”x6”x12 (1’ in total height) filled with same manufactured sand ( See below). This platform will provide 12 tee stations, 6 on each side). Three 12 posts on each side ( 3’ under grade and 9’ above grade). Suspend cable on top of poles hanging Turf directly on top of gravel surface.
Cost: Gravel 500
Netting 1200
Hardware 200
Poles/ Cement 400
Pads 600
Total Cost: 2900 (Donated)
Completed prior to 2019 season
Note: Still needs 8 poles to redo cables. Hope to reuse poles displaced from existing backstop when that project is completed.
Baseball/Softball - Bullpens
SITUATION:
Bullpens have mounds built from several treated 4x4 “ have 6x6 “ posts installed at each end ( behind mound and catches r) for netting never purchases. Mounds are not at proper height. Posts do not provide adequate backstop width and height. Softball bullpens are not in best strategic location.
Baseball Bullpen
TARGET: Minimally provide protection from errant throws between two pitchers and catchers front and back. Improve any drainage issues that exist.
Adding fence or net screening to allow for addition bp cage work is a nice to have (not listed as option below).
PROPOSAL:
Option 1- Add backstop netting to existing poles for both bullpens . Add turf for the home bullpen. Level and sod visitor bullpen.
Option 2 - Remove wooden posts and replace with12x15 frame ( 10x15 surface height) using 2 ½ Aluminum or galvanized pipe. Add 10x 15 netting with 4x15 netsaver at bottom.
Option 3 - Elevate both bullpens with one level of 6” treated timber filled with manufactured sand - 80’ x15’ each. Pitchers side should have 3 levels staggered down to 1 level for baseball to accommodate raised mound. Catchers side should have turf batting boxes turfed to back net.
To help bullpen to drain properly, add 4” perforated drain under fill material.
Future Alternative - Add 70’ + BP netting tunnel w/ mound.
Estimated cost
Option 1 Net existing structure. $300 (Donated)
Option 1 completed prior to 2019 season.
I
Baseball Field - Drainage Dugout
SITUATION:
Rain on baseball field drains to 3rd base dugout. Dugout cement slants from front to back trapping 4-5” of water after a day of rain. Sidewalks built at initial construction traps water from leaving field making surrounding area very wet for days after rain.
TARGET:
Capture water in front of this dugout and surrounding area and route into wooded area under the driveway.
PROPOSAL:
Install 50’ commercial french drain utilizing sub drain aggregate .57 stone and 6” perforated pipe surrounded by 4 oz commercial drainage fabric. Minimum 8” slope through first gate then under sidewalk. Add second 40’ drain in front of cement floor using prefabricated drain system. Provide 3 non perforated drain outlets and one flush inlet just past home plate side of dugout where 2 drains start. Drill holes and cut out means for water to flow from dugout.
Cost
—————
$1500 dugout area
$ 500 right field
Funded by PAC
Completed prior to 2019 season
Dugout Rails
SITUATION -
Chain link fence, 4’ High, using lightweight 20 gauge steel with jagged chain above top rail. Dugout space is limited. Floor of dugout is concrete which isn’t ideal for metal cleats. Prior to construction remove safety hazard that exists with chain link fence.
TARGET:
Padded rails with logo using baseball netting instead of chain link. Increase square footage of dugout by extending fence out.
PROPOSAL:
Build rail 4’ feet out x 4’ in front x 4’ opening then (3) 8’ panels.
Total top and bottom rail length is 32’ (64 linear feet). Six posts (surface height) stabilized in concrete footing.
Netting is 4x8’ and 4x24’ plus top and bottom cables.
Panels should have custom designed artwork using APEX FRIENDSHIP, Patriots, patriot logo. American Flag red, blue and white should be utilized.
Using horse trailer pads to put on top of the concrete floor.
Pads funded by PAC. 3500
Rails, Netting, Cement (donated) 2000
Completed prior to 2019 season.
Stadium Press box
SITUATION:
Press box lacks elevation to film games without fan interference.
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TARGET:
Utilize rooftop of press box to film and watch games. Secured from students and accessible safely from inside press-box.
PROPOSAL:
Utilize entire roof of press box to film and view games. Approved walk pads, covering entire walking space on roof, to protect single ply membrane and warranty.
Interior Access: Install vertical 14-2 height ships ladder thru hatch in home coaches room.
Funded by AFPAC, Football, Lacrosse. Barnhill Construction donated walk pads. Matt Parker provided engineering support. .
Completed prior to 2020 spring seasons.
Note: Still need to relocate the indoor heater and add an outdoor receptacle placed inside on the hatch framing with a 15 ft extension cord. Note: Viable workaround for receptacle is 25 ft cord over back down gutter to outside power.
Softball/ Baseball stands
SITUATION: Very limited seating with low 3 rise bleachers. Due to deep backstop configuration and location of bleachers the view of field is restricted.
Parents bring chairs or stand around fence line.
TARGET:
Fixed seating with up to 8 rows (home and 6 rows (away) installed in location to eliminate large blind spots that currently exist. This requires backstop relocated at 20 degree angle and 15 feet forward prior to stands being installed.
PROPOSAL:
Home and guest seating of 100 and 75 respectively. First level elevated like schools stadium highly desirable. Should be located in offback corners of backstop as far from dugouts as possible to improve visibility.
Move small existing stands behind bullpens OR relocate to stadium for band seating.
Softball/ Baseball Bathrooms/Concessions
SITUATION:
Portable restrooms located 80 yards from baseball and softball seating. Only available during season which means no restrooms available during all off season training. Baseball field is 300 yards from school restrooms.
Portable concession stand, built and managed by baseball parents, is located next to softball field preventing baseball parents operating concessions from seeing game.
TARGET:
Bathroom and drinking water available year around. Concession facilities behind backstop. Restrooms in close proximity to baseball left field foul pole.
PROPOSAL:
Restrooms: Locate off field foul line side of baseball field (behind bullpen) providing access to softball and baseball. Consideration to the elevation of sewage access on street likely requiring pump - distance 75 yards.
Concessions: Facing field behind backstops close to spectators and allows volunteers to watch game.
Option 1: Relocate the current concession building built by baseball parents to a location facing field near flag pole.
Completed prior to 2020 season
Option 2: Construct new baseball facilities, following all zoning considerations. Baseball donates and relocates existing faculty to softball.
Baseball Storage:
Option 1: Single masonry building directly behind sidewalk / 3rd base dugout. Consider a door being cut out in this dugout to add flexibility to use as locker room
Option 2: In front of batting cages or pond.
Option 3: Cargo box storage (as has been utilized behind school and practice field). Recommended.
Shared solution (softball/baseball) added 2021
Lacrosse Practice Field Backstop
SITUATION: Practice field has no back stops to stop Lacrosse balls on one goal during practices.
TARGET: Add 10’ fence on one side.
PROPOSAL: Verify fence dimensions and price.
Quote provided and approved by Wake County Schools. On hold.
Softball Audio System
SITUATION:
Softball field has no audio system.
TARGET:
Install system installed by baseball program.
PROPOSAL:
Obtain specifications and pricing.
Completed during 2019 season.
Softball Outfield Fence / Warning Tracks
SITUATION:
Current outfield field is a 235 feet. Eliminating a key element of the game, the home run.
TARGET:
Fence of 200 feet from foul foul to foul pole. Add warning tracks.
PROPOSAL:
Hire fencing company to move existing fence in to target dimensions. Alternate. Minimally add warning track with brick chip base.
Alternate solution for Infield prior to 2019 season.
Plans are to add warning track to outfield after 2020 season.
Football/Lacrosse Practice field sod
SITUATION:
Middle of field missing sod and unlevel increasing risk of injury.
PROPOSAL:
Replace 2000 sq ft of sod.
Completed prior to 2019 season
Future projects :-)