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City highlights ‘Back to Basics’ repairs at parks and sports fields
Summary
Parks director presented a ‘Back to Basics’ campaign of repairs and safety upgrades at multiple City of Alice athletic fields, funded in part with flexible federal/state 'hot' funds; further upgrades, including lighting at some fields, were discussed.
Mike Chopra, director of Parks and Open Spaces, described a “Back to Basics” campaign that has delivered safety repairs and cosmetic upgrades to a host of the city’s athletic fields and park facilities.
Chopra told the council the program evaluated and repaired irrigation systems, replaced burned ballast and bulbs on lights, leveled field infill, repaired concession stands and restrooms, replaced scoreboards, added backstop padding, and installed surge protection on electronic scoreboards. He credited a mix of in‑house crews and subcontractors for the work and said the effort began in late 2024.
Chopra said the funding for some work was allowed by recent changes in legislation that permit use of “hot” funds for certain capital improvements. Council members repeatedly praised staff for the work; Councilman Duncan called the repairs “long overdue” and said the improvements address safety and usability concerns. Council members discussed potential future projects, including lighting at East Field/Morafield and improvements at the former Boys & Girls Club site. Chopra said the presentation represented a first phase that addressed safety, cosmetics and usability; a second phase of improvement and upgrade options will be presented later for council decision.
Council members asked staff to coordinate further with leagues and with the Boys & Girls Club on future lighting and irrigation plans. Mike Chopra and Parks staff said they will return with a proposed list of upgrades, estimated costs and proposed funding sources for council consideration.
The council did not take action during the presentation; members expressed support for the phased approach and requested details for a second‑phase proposal.
