Commission approves 90% design for Paducah Sports Park entry plaza; construction progressing

The City of Paducah approved 90% design and authorized staff to proceed with construction documents for the entry plaza at Paducah Sports Park, officials said Tuesday, as project contractors continue visible on-site progress.

Jeff, a project presenter, told the commission that field subgrade work, retaining walls and building foundations are under way and that several concession and dugout foundations have been poured. “Building 4, which is a concession stand at Stuart Nelson Park, they were about at 7 or 8 feet of wall height today,” Jeff said.

Project staff described a redesigned entry plaza that replaces the former grandstand with an open‑air pavilion containing restrooms, a tournament‑director office, and mechanical rooms. The plaza plan includes two six‑foot earthen berms intended as informal spectator seating for the championship field, vendor tent locations, a food‑trailer pad with utilities, and coordinated signage and wayfinding.

Staff also reported short‑term roadway damage on Stewart Nelson Park Road caused by heavy hauling; crews placed about 1,800 linear feet of composite matting to reduce wear and are working on longer‑term rehabilitation. “We halted work until a solution could be found,” Jeff said. He said staff met with property owners and tenants on April 29 to coordinate timing and minimize disruption.

Commission discussion included memorial planning for Stuart Nelson Park. Jeff said the city is working with the Paducah Historical Preservation Group and named contacts Rhonda Smith and Javanta Dawson, with Rosa Scott and Herb Martin also participating. “We’re working with Rhonda Smith and Javanta Dawson,” Jeff said of the memorial committee.

The municipal order to approve the 90% design passed on a roll call vote.