Bumpus Ballpark volunteers describe repairs, drainage needs and parking at city meeting

Two representatives of the Mat-Su Softball Association spoke to the council during the persons-to-be-heard period to thank the city for the partnership and to outline facility needs at Bumpus Ballpark.

Dan Fleckenstein, president of the Mat-Su Softball Association (not a city resident), said the association has 54 teams and about 1,000 weekly users of the complex during the season. He said the membership invested about $6,000 in fence repairs after storm damage and planned an additional $3,000 for infield improvements and turf work to address stormwater pooling. "From the rain that we had over the past weekend, the water accumulated on the fields, and it's still there so our games tonight were canceled," Fleckenstein said, describing the need for improved drainage.

Fleckenstein said volunteers have repainted bleachers and dugouts, trimmed brush to create a continuous walking path, and are working with public works on parking improvements. He said large tournaments draw up to 1,200–1,500 visitors and that the unimproved parking surface impedes emergency vehicle access and safe ingress/egress.

Don Ostrom, an umpire and association volunteer, urged continued city support for upgrades at Bumpus Ballpark and recounted the facility's history and importance to local recreation. Both speakers praised public-works staff assistance and asked for city consideration of paved parking and permanent restrooms to reduce the association’s reliance on portable toilets.

Councilors thanked the speakers and noted the comments were taken under advisement; no formal action was taken at the meeting, but staff and council said they would follow up with public works on drainage, parking grading and prioritized repairs.