St. John baseball group and staff weigh stadium lighting upgrades, grants and fence repairs

St. John Baseball President Scott Clifford and town parks staff briefed the Saint John Park and Recreation Board on options for replacing aging field lights, potential grant funding and fence repairs at the Civic and Babe Ruth complexes.

The most immediate funding opportunity discussed was a grant from Babe Ruth League that could cover up to $60,000 of lighting work. "We are eligible to apply for a $60,000 grant to help offset those any kind of light project," Scott Clifford said, noting he had discussed the opportunity with Musco representatives and that applications are due in September.

The board heard that a Musco estimate for one field at the Babe Ruth complex came in at roughly $2.25 to $2.50 per head (installation-inclusive quotes later described as a wide range), putting single-field replacement well beyond the park budget. "The price that he gave us for Babe Ruth obviously was exceptionally stiff," Clifford said. He added Musco quoted six-figure ranges per field in some scenarios and that Musco’s standard 25-year warranty applies if the full system is purchased, though Musco staff had indicated they might consider exceptions for partial upgrades.

Board members and staff discussed priorities if funding is limited. Cliffords and staff said Civic fields appear older and are at more immediate risk. "If you put a gun to my head right now, I would say Civic is in more dire need," Clifford said, characterizing Civic as the site used intensively for instruction and fall play. He and others also noted recent storm damage to fences at the Civic complex that likely will require replacement and may be submitted to insurance. "There's like 8 or 9 sections that were done from my two storms," Clifford said, describing cracked posts and lifted concrete footings.

Staff said the town is awaiting fuller, more detailed quotes, including a line-item breakdown for materials, installation and labor. Clifford said Musco’s initial quote was vague and that installation will typically be subcontracted to a preferred installer, which contributes to the current price range. He also flagged other potential funding streams, including NIPSCO energy grants and local fundraising; Clifford said St. John Baseball has invested about $90,000 in field improvements and is prepared to help raise money for lighting and repairs.

Board members asked staff to obtain additional, more detailed bids for Civic and other fields and to confirm whether alternate, lower-cost lighting packages might be feasible for Civic if the board elected not to use Musco there. No formal motion was made; members said they expect staff to return with clearer estimates and grant-advice before any decision.

Clifford and staff also discussed operational matters, including whether warranties would apply if only parts of a complex are upgraded and the timing for the Babe Ruth grant application. Clifford said he would not submit an application unless the board gave a clear green light: "You tell me we're good. Now we're off to the races, and I'll make the application."