WASHINGTON - The George Washington Softball Field on the Mount Vernon Campus, home of the Colonials' varsity program as well as numerous club sports and activities, will undergo a complete playing surface renovation this summer.

Beginning in late June, the Department of Athletics and Recreation will begin a two-and-a-half-month long overhaul of the softball facility as the next chapter of the university's five-year strategic plan to enhance athletics at GW.

"The renovations to the GW Softball Field will create a top-tier facility for our varsity team, as well as the many club sports that utilize that space," said Director of Athletics and Recreation Patrick Nero. "Our goal is to provide our student-athletes with the opportunities, resources and facilities to achieve at the highest levels in our conference and in the region, and this upgrade will help us continue toward that goal."

The outfield will receive Field Turf synthetic turf and will be emblazoned with a "GW" logo in centerfield. The synthetic turf will extend around the perimeter of the field and will include a blue synthetic turf warning track.

The infield will be suited with state-of-the-art Hilltopper Infield Mix, a type of clay designed to regulate moisture and prevent surface freezing, allowing for a more playable infield during the colder off-season and early in-season months of play with less field maintenance for game-day preparation.

Just outside of the field of play, the home and visiting bullpens will be reconstructed. Both bullpens will feature Hilltopper clay around the pitching rubbers and will be fitted with synthetic turf in the remaining areas. This upgrade will lower maintenance needs and increase the bullpens' ability to withstand rain and cold temperatures.

"The field renovation shows how much the administration is committed to providing the best for our student athletes," said Head Coach Stacey Schramm. "We're so excited to see the final product and for our field to be regarded as one of, if not the best, in the conference."

Lloyd Gym, the indoor strength and conditioning facility utilized by the softball team, will also undergo a renovation this summer. New platforms and Olympic lifting equipment will improve the weight training portion of the space used by all of GW's Mount Vernon-housed varsity sports, while synthetic turf will be inserted into half of the area, replacing current hardwood flooring.

The upgrades to the Mount Vernon athletics facilities are scheduled to be completed this fall.