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SHELBY — The Village of Shelby and Shelby Public Schools have reached an agreement to proceed with the “Getty Field Reset” Project, a joint initiative designed to address aging facilities and reduce maintenance obligations while continuing its current use as a community soccer field.
The park is no longer the venue for Shelby High School soccer games as the venue moved to the Shelby Township Community Park at 4101 Buchanan Rd.
The project focuses on removing several structures at Getty Field that have either reached the end of their useful life or are no longer being fully utilized, states a press release from the village. The agreement outlines responsibilities for each party; establishes estimated project costs; and sets a target completion date of Sept. 30, 2027.
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Under the agreement, Shelby Public Schools will oversee the removal and disposal of the existing athletic field lighting system, the scoreboard, and the Tiger Building. At the Tiger Building site, restoration work will subsequently take place in the form of site grading, placement of topsoil, and reseeding the area with grass. The work is estimated to cost approximately $9,100, although additional expenses could be incurred if electrical service disconnection is required by Consumers Energy.
The Village of Shelby will also be responsible for components of the project, beginning with the demolition and removal of the existing press box and concession stand, including associated concrete foundations. Great Lakes Pet Fencing in Hart will be relocating the western fence line approximately 50 feet to the east. The project includes the installation of about 525 linear feet of new fencing, a 4-foot-high black fence, and a 10-foot access gate.
Additional village responsibilities include restoring disturbed areas following construction and demolition activities, capping water and sewer services where needed, and preserving the existing irrigation system. The village will also convert the irrigation control system to solar power, which will allow irrigation operations to continue independently of electrical services currently connected to structures slated for removal.
The Village of Shelby’s estimated cost for these efforts is $18,316, which includes a portion of already-budgeted DPW staff labor hours, states the press release.
Officials from both organizations say the project represents a cooperative investment in the future of the Getty Field property. “By addressing aging infrastructure and underused facilities now, the Village of Shelby and Shelby Public Schools are continuing to build a safer, more well-maintained and appealing town. And doing this in collaboration with the school demonstrates how fortunate we are to have a great working relationship,” stated Village Administrator Phil Morse.
“Getty Field has been an important part of Shelby athletics and our community for generations, and we want to honor that history as we look toward the future. The Tiger Building has long been a recognizable part of the landscape, highlighted by Carol Waller’s beautiful mural and its connection to Shelby’s athletic tradition. While this project represents a change to the property, we remain committed to preserving Getty Field as an important community landmark and part of the entrance to Getty Park and our school district. Most importantly, this project reflects a true partnership between Shelby Public Schools and the Village of Shelby as we work together to responsibly meet the needs of our community today,” said Shelby Public Schools Superintendent Mark Olmstead.
All work outlined in the agreement is expected to be completed by September 2027 unless both parties agree to extend the timeline.
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