The Tulsa Roustabouts, the official supporters group of the Tulsa Roughnecks FC men’s soccer team, are partnering with YWCA Tulsa and the Roughnecks to revitalize two disused baseball fields at 17th Street and Memorial Drive. This service project, called “Flipping the Pitch,” will begin in September and turn the lot into two or three community soccer fields, or “pitches.”
Owned by YWCA Tulsa, the baseball fields have gone unused for several years and become overgrown with brush, and are now in need of major repair. Volunteers from the Roustabouts will start clearing the lot next month to prepare for the development of the pitches.
“Part of the mission of the Roustabouts supporters group is to promote youth soccer, so we are excited to come together with our team and the YWCA to bring new, safe fields to the Tulsa community,” said Zach Easdon, president of the Tulsa Roustabouts.
Phase I of the project will include clearing out overgrown plants and trees along the property line and fencing, repairing and painting several sets of bleachers, cleaning and painting an existing concession stand, and moving in at least one permanent set of soccer goal posts. Phase II will consist of moving existing light poles to allow for two full-length soccer pitches. Goal posts and nets will be finalized, and the concession stand will also be made operable.
The Roughnecks will donate sod previously used for matches at ONEOK Field to be placed on the new pitches. The pitches are anticipated to be completed by the end of October, then they will be open to the public for anytime use. The YWCA will manage the upkeep of the fields following completion, and the Roughnecks plan to organize a free youth soccer clinic soon after.