The state Board of Regents approved a $5.8 million request on Thursday for renovations to the University of Iowa’s west recreation fields. 

The request was initially presented to the regents at its meeting on Wednesday, detailing concerns of physical deficiencies such as wet areas, recurring low points, and compacted soils that present safety issues and negatively impact participation in outdoor recreation. 

The west recreation fields include 12 natural grass fields that are used primarily for intramural sports such as flag football, ultimate frisbee, soccer, lacrosse, and volleyball. 

Rod Lehnertz, UI senior vice president for finance and operations, said the university currently spends $750,000 to $1 million each year on deferred maintenance for the recreation fields. 

The renovation included six new synthetic turf fields, perimeter fencing replacement, and new storm drainage systems. The renovation plans were detailed in the report presented to the property and facilities committee. 

Sources of funds for the renovation will be through the recreation services renewal and improvements fund. Costs for the project include:

• $766,238 for planning, design, and management
• $4,584,022 for construction
• $449,740 for contingency

Construction is set to begin in the spring of 2023 and end in the fall of 2023. 

The fields are currently the only outdoor fields available on campus that are not being fully utilized, according to the report.