Dear Friend of UVA Law Softball, 

The North Grounds Softball League (NGSL) has a storied tradition of over thirty years dating back to the mid-1970s. During this time, Copeley Field has been the traditional stomping ground for UVA Law’s softball games. Even now, the majority of NGSL games are played on Copeley Field. 

Unfortunately, the current condition of Copeley Field is less than ideal. Three decades of rain, erosion, and extensive field use have taken a toll. Replete with mostly dead grass, the outfield is uneven and clumpy. Even worse is the infield, which boasts a trench that runs from the pitcher’s mound through the first base line and a rock-hard, jagged clay surface on which to catch (or rather dodge) grounders. Indeed, most current softball players now prefer to play at the "Park" facility down the hill from the Law School. The Park is home to UVA women’s softball practices as well as the University’s intramural softball league and is in significantly better shape than Copeley Field. While the Park provides an alternative location for games, it does not have the same atmosphere and history as Copeley. 

Upon our request, the University recently employed the same architectural firm that designed the fields at the Park to look into ways to improve Copeley Field. The firm found that the main issue with Copeley is the downward slope from the outfield to the infield. As a result, rainfall runoff flows down from the Darden School of Business, streams almost unimpeded through the mostly dead outfield grass, and compounds at the infield, creating the previously discussed trench and rock-hard, jagged clay surface. The architectural firm proposed numerous infield renovations which would reduce the impact of the rainfall runoff situation and bring Copeley Field to a quality substantially similar to that of the Park. The Copeley Field Renovation Project encompasses these proposed infield renovations. 

Of course, the Project is not going to be cheap. The infield renovations cost just over $28,000. And, because UVA Law softball comprises over 90% of Copeley Field’s use, we are responsible for raising the vast majority of the funds for the field renovations. To do so, we are appealing to students and alumni who have played on the field, the very people who have made softball what it is today at UVA Law. We understand that raising $28,000 is ambitious, especially in this economy. However, given the tradition of the North Grounds Softball League and the fond memories we've had of our time here at UVA Law, we hope – with your help – to raise enough money to complete the infield renovations. 

If you are interested in contributing to the Copeley Field Renovation Project, a tax-deductible gift can be made through the Law School Foundation at http://www.law.virginia.edu/gift.  When making an online donation, please write "Copeley Field Renovation Project" in the description box.  You can also donate by mailing a check--made out to the "Law School Foundation"--to North Grounds Softball League, 580 Massie Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903.  Again, please write "Copeley Field Renovation Project" in the memo line of you check.

We are hopeful that you will reflect on your time spent on Copeley Field while at UVA Law and decide to support this initiative. As of right now, we are planning to begin work on the field during Summer 2010. As a result, if you do decide to contribute to the Copeley Field Renovation Project, we would appreciate hearing from you as soon as possible. If you have any questions, you can reach us by email at ngslexecboard@virginia.edu or by phone at (434) 825-1830. Many thanks, and we look forward to hearing from you soon! 

Sincerely, 

The North Grounds Softball League Executive Board