Helping hands
Community rallies to clean up flooded C-H softball fields
Two years ago, the Pittsburgh Pirates earned a save by restoring the Chartiers-Houston youth softball fields that were destroyed by April floodwaters.
But last week’s heavy rains left the fields at Houston Park under water again.
In 2024, the softball fields were repaired through Fields for Kids, a collaborative program of Pirates Charities and Highmark, following a series of floods.
On Thursday night though, the softball fields were under four feet of water and the concession stand was flooded after heavy rains moved through Washington County, dropping as much as 2 1/2 inches of rain in a six- to 12-hour period.
“The Pirates were a big help, providing us with the highest quality of infield mix there is and getting the softball fields up and running for the start of the softball season. They saved the day,” said Jimmy Hollenbach, president of the Chartiers-Houston Girls Softball Association. “But unfortunately, here we are again, and we have a lot of work to do to get the fields cleaned up.”
Over the weekend, community members – including members of the softball association, Chartiers-Houston athletes, and a coach from a neighboring school district – turned out to clean up the fields to make sure they are playable in time for the start of the season on April 13.
The work included pumping water from the fields, digging drainage holes and trenches, cleaning, pressure washing and disinfecting the concession stand, pavilion, dugouts, and playground equipment, and hauling back light poles that had been carried by floodwaters onto private property.
Also, the outfield of one of the softball fields was heavily damaged and the softball association is brainstorming on how to get it repaired in time for the start of the season.
Hollenbach said the fields had been sodded and seeded earlier last week, and all of those grass seeds had been washed away.
He was grateful, though, for the efforts of the community.
“Everybody came together and we got a lot done,” said Hollenbach.
About 90 families participate in the youth softball league, which includes athletes from 6 and under to 15 and under divisions.
Houston Borough Mayor Nicholle Hollenbach said the flooding has become a recurring problem at the fields, and she is seeking a solution.
“It’s very concerning,” said Hollenbach, noting the flooding events have increased in recent years. “We’re going to reach out to people and try to get answers. It’s such a nice park and we want to make sure residents can use it.”