Dear Friend of North Grounds Softball League, 

We want to thank you for supporting the repair and renovation of Copeley Field, which will soon be complete. This project began in January 2010, and it is hard to believe that the work will be finished before the end of this year. We look forward to celebrating the re-opening of Copeley Field and are grateful to all of you who have made it possible.  

We knew that raising more than $25,000 in this economy was a lofty goal; trying to do so in only a few months seemed even more daunting. But in only three months, we raised $25,815 from 221 alumni and former UVA Law softball participants. Additionally, a collaborative funding effort between Intramural-Recreational Sports and Facilities Management at the University will result in an expanded project scope in the range of $40,000-$50,000.  

Looking back, we probably should not be surprised by these results. UVA Law alumni are known for their continuing loyalty and commitment to the Law School and the life of this community. The success of this project is another testament to this fact, and we sincerely thank you for making NGSL part of this charitable tradition.  

As for Copeley Field, the results should speak for themselves. The architectural firm will add sod to the back arc of the infield, add and laser grade forty tons of dirt to the infield, and install various irrigation basins, pipes, and drain lines beneath and around the infield. You can find pictures of the work as it progresses at www.ngsl.com. Importantly, although the outfield still has some rough areas, this work should constitute a permanent fix for the infield. What this really means is that the Copeley clay will actually be Copeley dirt, and Copeley infielders will see truer hops in the field.  

For a league with more than thirty successful years of play and friendship under its belt, we hope that this project continues to make NGSL and softball a positive part of the Law School experience. Thanks to your contribution, this new and improved Copeley Field will enhance the rich tradition of UVA Law softball. It will pave the way for new Copeley legends, just as we all undoubtedly claim fame as the legends of yesteryear. And like all of us, incoming UVA Law students, thinking their glory days were behind them, will discover that Copeley gives them one last shot to go down in history as a bona fide legend on the dirt of Copeley Field.  

Thank you, again, for your role in the Copeley Field Renovation Project. It would not have happened, nor been such a joy for us, without you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us by email at ngslexecboard@virginia.edu or by phone at (434) 825-1830.  

Sincerely, 

The North Grounds Softball League Executive Board