McDowell Schools Increase Offer, Push to Restore River View Field

McDowell County Schools has increased its contract offer by $200,000 to accelerate repairs to the River View baseball field, which remains out of commission after being damaged by February floodwaters. The baseball diamond sits between River View High School and the Tug Fork, and repairs have lagged even as the adjacent football and softball complex, Mitchell Estep Field, was restored over the summer.

The delayed baseball field forced River View baseball and softball teams, along with Sandy River Middle School teams, to play the entire 2025 season on the road. Athletic Director Jordan Prater described the season as difficult for players and families, with seniors losing the chance to host home games and households absorbing extra travel time and expense. The district announced the increased offer as it seeks to select a contractor soon, with the goal of completing work before the next season so current seniors might again play at least a few home games.

The impact extends beyond athletics. High school sporting events serve as community gatherings in McDowell County, supporting social connection and local business activity. For many families already facing economic strain, additional travel to away games added costs for fuel, meals, and time off work. The stretched season also affected student athletes who missed the routine and social supports that come with home events, potentially influencing mental health and school engagement.

The situation highlights broader questions about infrastructure resilience and equitable recovery after climate related disasters. Flood damage to school facilities can compound existing resource disparities in rural counties, forcing difficult budget decisions for repairs and maintenance. School leaders face pressure to balance immediate repairs with long term investments that could reduce future flood damage.

District officials say selecting a contractor quickly is a priority, and parents and community members are watching the timeline closely. Restoring the River View baseball field would not only return a playing surface, it would restore a site of community pride and reduce the financial and logistical burdens families have carried through a season without home games.