Eagle Scout candidate proposes new dugouts

NEW LONDON – Noah Schubert, a student at New London High School, has proposed to build new dugouts at Allen Field for his Eagle Scout service project.
Schubert presented his proposal to the New London Parks and Recreation Committee at its Jan. 6 meeting. After the presentation, the committee accepted the proposal as a donation. The proposal must still be approved by the Boy Scout unit and council.
According to Schubert, the project would add value to Allen Field because the current dugouts are not up to date like the other dugouts in the city. This would benefit many organizations who use the field, including the New London High School JV baseball team, the New London American Legion team, and New London Youth Baseball.
“Better opportunities for games, tournaments, and practices,” Schubert said. “We could host more state tournaments for American Legion.”
By updating the current dugouts, Schubert said it would create a better representation for the city when teams travel to play in New London.

It would also help provide a safer environment for players and officials.
With baseball being “a huge part” of his life, Schubert said this project is important to him.
“I want to see the field in better shape for the younger generations to come,” Schubert said. “I want to give back to organizations that helped me as a person.”
He added that the current dugouts do not have a roof and consist of an 8-foot fence, a bench, gravel, and a 6-foot fence.
Rain creates muddy conditions in the dugouts. There also are no hooks in the fencing to hang up equipment.
The proposed dugouts would be similar to those at Pfeifer Park, Schubert said.
Schubert proposed that he would dig out the gravel, and the city would pour the concrete. Once the concrete is poured, Schubert said he would build the rest of the dugout structures.
The estimated cost of the project would be $3,200, Schubert said. To fund the project, Schubert said he will contact local businesses and organizations for donations for the project.
“As of now, New London Youth Baseball has already agreed to help fund the project,” Schubert said.
Ginger Sowle, director of Parks & Recreation for the city of New London, told the committee that the city has recently redid the infield at Allen Field.
“This is a great continuation of that project,” Sowle said.