Board approves design agreement with Leggett for ballfield concessions, restrooms and bleacher study

The board approved an agreement to retain Leggett architects to design a renovated concession, restroom and storage facility and to study replacement bleachers at the varsity baseball/softball complex.

Member Phelps and other trustees described on‑site conditions that prompted the request: cinder block deterioration, doors with holes, aging bleacher structures and a concession area that likely does not meet Knox County Health Department requirements for on‑site food preparation. Staff reported a previous repair estimate of about $400,000 to patch and refinish existing structures but said that would leave aging bleacher substructures in place and might not meet long‑term needs.

Leggett's scope will include design work for a new building sited between the two fields to provide bathrooms, concessions and storage, and a reconfigured set of bleachers to increase spectator capacity and allow controlled access for tournaments. Board members said the improvements are intended to support tournament hosting once the district completes turf and other planned upgrades. Staff also noted that allowable funding sources include the district's one-cent facility sales tax, so the design work would be funded from capital rather than general reserves.

Trustees voted to move forward with the Leggett agreement to begin planning and schematic design. Board members emphasized the approval at this stage is for design services — not construction contracts — and directed staff to return with cost estimates and funding recommendations once the design phase is complete.