Bids are going out for a new softball field for Hixson High School in the wake of a federal lawsuit filed by a junior softball player.
The county engineer's office issued the bids, which are due in by Nov. 12.
The suit by Meagan Metier, and her parents, Cynthia and Michael Metier, said the high school's softball field was far inferior to the baseball field and said that is a violation of federal law requiring equal sports facilities for boys and girls.
It says the softball field is unsafe and inadequate and is subject to flooding. The field is not level and the outfield is full of holes, it was stated.
The backstop has jagged material on the fence, and there is an iron roof that causes foul balls to go back down on players and umpires, the suit says.
It says there are no restrooms or equipment storage areas at the Hixson High softball field as well as no dugouts. The field is not secured.
The suit, that was filed last month by a Nashville attorney, says the Hixson High baseball field has dugouts, batting cages, lights and an equipment storage building. It has a level field that is not subject to flooding and has ample parking nearby.
The suit says the softball field is below TSSAA standards and is unsafe for players, umpires and spectators.
The plaintiffs said they went before the County School Board on Nov. 24 of last year to ask for improvements at the Hixson High softball field, but did not get any.