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Baker family increases donation, district signs off on $3 million build plan for Baker Field
Summary
Lyons Township High School District 204 reported bid results for a new girls varsity softball complex; the lowest qualified bidder matched the project scope and the Baker family offered an additional $1 million to cover alternates so the full upgraded facility can be delivered; administrators will bring an amended donation agreement and
Lyons Township High School District 204 administrators reported Tuesday that bids have come in for a proposed girls varsity softball complex at South Campus, that the lowest qualified bidder met the district’s bid requirements, and that the Baker family has offered an additional $1 million to supplement a prior $2 million donation so the district can complete the base project plus alternates.
The project was originally authorized in February 2024 to design and construct a new girls varsity softball field under a $2 million donation agreement from the Stacy Ann Baker Charitable Fund, represented at the meeting by Michael Baker. Administrators said bid openings on May 22 returned a base project cost in line with the original $2 million budget and that alternates (upgraded press box, enhanced bleachers, audiovisual and lighting, full turf infield/outfield, and related site work) were specified to permit an enhanced finished facility should additional funds become available.
Michael Baker told the board the family is prepared to provide an additional $1 million to cover the alternates so the full vision can be constructed. Architect John Morawski, who led the design work, said the recommended lowest qualified bidder was Henry Brothers, and outlined a construction schedule that aims to complete heavy site work (turf import, grading, gravel haul, dirt removal) by the end of summer and finish construction in the fall. Morawski said there was a coordination matter with the local Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) to resolve, but the team was confident of progress.
Administrators said they will bring an amended donation agreement and the construction contract to the June 16 board meeting for formal approval and award. The district also confirmed the completed facility will be named Baker Field in honor of the donor family under the original terms.
Ending: Administrators will present an amended donation agreement and the recommended construction contract at the June 16 board meeting for board action; if approved, construction is scheduled to begin this summer with completion targeted by fall.
