Committee approves Legion plan to fund upgrades at Hackman Field

Committee members voted Aug. 13 to allow representatives of the Legion baseball program to begin fundraising and move forward with a package of improvements at Hackman Field.

The proposal presented by Legion board representative Nicholas described a set of upgrades intended to support high-school–age summer baseball teams that play roughly 30 to 40 games over a six-week season. Nicholas said the top priorities are a new electronic scoreboard that would display pitch-count and pitch-speed information, improvements to dugouts and entrances, a modern sound system and equipment to protect the field from rain, such as a full-field tarp.

Nicholas said the proposed scoreboard rendering is about 28 feet wide and could be split into up to eight sponsorship panels, though he expects only one to three sponsors would have visible displays. “One of the improvements we’re looking at is putting in a new scoreboard that would give us the opportunity to actually have up to eight sponsors,” Nicholas said in his presentation.

Committee discussion included questions about whether the rendering would allow for team names to be displayed, how existing high-school and club programs would participate, and whether the Chaparrals and other local teams could share costs. Committee members and Legion representatives confirmed the local high school program and a private program are engaged; Joe Kinski of Columbus was identified in the presentation as a board participant.

Nicholas said rain losses have cost the program “five home dates” this season and described a recent game that was lost after a brief storm because the field had no full tarp. He said the Legion’s initial fundraising target is “closer to a six‑figure number,” while acknowledging smaller amounts could pay for some components. The presentation included an estimated fundraising target of $50,000 up to a six‑figure total depending on scope.

After discussion, a committee member moved to approve the Legion’s request to begin fundraising and proceed with planning; another committee member seconded the motion. The chair put the question and the motion was approved by voice vote.

The approval allows the Legion representatives to continue vendor coordination and fund-raising work and to return to staff and the committee with more specific cost estimates and any permitting or facility-use agreements needed before construction or purchases begin.

Notes on scope and next steps: the committee did not adopt design or construction contracts; Legion representatives said they will coordinate with parks staff and vendors and will return with firm proposals and funding status before major purchases or construction starts.