Volunteers revive West Lebanon Ballpark; county-backed donation approved for fencing

Volunteers and community organizers told the county commissioners they have a plan to revive the West Lebanon Ballpark for youth baseball and tournaments and presented quotes to repair the backstop and outfield fencing. The board accepted a pledge of $10,000 from a local trust and approved beginning the additional-appropriation process.

Organizer OJ Chin described local interest and volunteer work to reopen the long-unused park and said local leagues are at capacity elsewhere and would use West Lebanon as supplemental fields. "I grew up in West Lebanon... my daughter is 4 years old now, and I don't want her to be one of these kids that's on her cell phone just nonstop," Chin said, describing the motivation for renovating the field.

Chin presented two contractor quotes for fence work: an initial estimate from Illini Fence at about $17,550 for backstop and outfield repairs, and a lower bid from Outlaw Fence of roughly $7,400 ($6,000 for the backstop and $1,400 for the outfield modifications). Chin and town volunteers have cleared parking and moved equipment; organizers said restrooms are functional and lights are operable.

A donor identified as representing the Falwell Principle Trust pledged $10,000 toward the project; the board moved to accept the pledge and initiate an additional appropriation so county staff can process the funds. County staff explained appropriations require a subsequent council action and noted the county’s community-improvement account had limited available balance, so the pledged funds will go through the formal appropriation process. The board approved the motion to proceed with the appropriation process. Organizers said they will sell sponsorship banners and run fundraising to cover concessions and other equipment.

The volunteer group asked for county assistance to expedite the fencing work for safety reasons; staff said once the donation clears appropriation steps the county can issue payment for the contracted fence work and proceed with site repairs.