ALLEMAN, Iowa — For the first time in school history, the North Polk Comets are playing ball games on two new turf fields, and students say they’re not only better to play on but it also draws larger crowds to the bleachers.

In June, North Polk High School unveiled a new Baseball/Softball complex that included two turf fields. They were part of a $7.5 million bond referendum in 2023, and it had almost 80% of the community’s support.

Superintendent Michael Kline said there is strong interest for the softball and baseball teams. There are 115 seventh to twelfth graders that play baseball, and there are 45 seventh to twelfth graders that play softball.

Kline said there was a small uptick in softball players after the new fields were unveiled.

The Comets continued their 2025 ball season on the new fields throughout the summer. Students said they noticed more people were attending the games as a result of the new fields.

“People want to see it, so more people are coming to our games,” said junior and softball player Leah Muth. “I think it’s really nice to play on. I’m less scared to do stuff because like the field is just perfect and it’s soft.”

Before the district built these fields, the Comets played on grass. Beside serving an athletic purpose, the turf also provided an educational opportunity for the district.

“We actually had some science classes go out and do an experiment about what the temperatures are on the different colors of turf, so it has been good learning there as well,” said Kline.

One of the concerns the community raised was the heat on the turf. Kline said they still have their grass fields that teams can use if there is a hot day.

Two neighboring school districts also used the fields for ball games last summer, so the fields have proven to be an asset for the surrounding communities as well.