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Advisory board approves Jackie Robinson Ballpark renovation site plan; $30M+ project proceeds in phases
Summary
The advisory board voted to approve the major site plan for renovations at Jackie Robinson Ballpark, a multi-phase project that staff said totals more than $30 million and includes new clubhouses, museum and gift shop in phase 1 and dugout/restroom and courtyard work in phase 2.
City staff presented a major-site-plan application for renovations to Jackie Robinson Ballpark on City Island and the advisory board approved the plan by voice vote.
Ken Thomas and project civil engineer Chris Rowley described the multi-phase work. Thomas said the project represents “over $30,000,000 of renovation to the Robinson Park.” Rowley described site demolition already under way (former tennis courts removed) and said phase 1 focuses on new buildings housing clubhouses, a museum and a gift shop, a batting cage and hospitality/office space, plus parking and secured player parking.
Rowley said phase 2 will follow and include dugout improvements (restrooms), selective demolition of older buildings, courtyard and landscape improvements and replacement of a seawall on the island side. Staff emphasized the timing must coordinate with the baseball season so demolition and construction are phased to allow play; the project team said phase 1 construction aims to finish this year and phase 2 work would start after the season to meet subsequent season schedules.
Board members asked about spectator amenities (most will be in phase 2), entry/ticketing changes and parking; staff said existing ticket booths will be retained and that some entrance improvements are planned for phase 2. The board approved the major site plan and staff said the approval moves the project forward for final administrative and permitting steps.
Ending: Staff indicated further design work is ongoing for phase 2 and more detailed schedules and demolition plans will be presented as work advances.
