Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Field Improvements topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Little League/Softball group and parks staff discuss turf, nets and short-term fixes for worn fields
Summary
LBSA members and parks staff discussed turfing batting cages, expanded netting behind softball fields, bench repairs and potential grant applications. The groups agreed to prioritize turf this year and to coordinate for netting and other short-term safety fixes next year.
Members of the Little League/Softball Association (LBSA) attended the Park Board meeting to discuss field conditions, safety upgrades and funding options for turf, netting and other repairs.
LBSA representatives said they previously expected donated turf for the batting cages and confirmed volunteers are prepared to assist with smaller projects such as pressure washing and painting benches and repairing curled fencing. Parks staff and LBSA deliberated several short-term safety fixes: extending backstops and adding netting to prevent balls from reaching parked cars, reinforcing bullpen/pitching areas, and adding fences or netting near a playground adjacent to the concession stand.
On turf, LBSA members recalled a prior contribution of $15,000 from the city toward the batting-cage project and said that remaining project funds were expended on the cages and dugout repairs. Parks staff said that, with the current budget, any turf work this year would likely need to be led and funded by LBSA and partners. Board members suggested splitting costs or partnering to secure external grants.
Parks staff described an approach for lower-cost turf repairs, including 10-by-10 turf patches and targeted turfing of batter’s boxes or the home‑plate area as an interim measure. Parks staff also noted logistical concerns about transporting taller poles and large netting posts; one staff member estimated some poles used elsewhere were about 30 feet tall, while LBSA and staff agreed 12–15 feet would likely suffice for the softball backstop nets.
Other items discussed included: - Bench and bleacher repairs and coordinated volunteer paint/pressure‑wash events; LBSA volunteers planned a weekend volunteer effort for pressure washing and painting. - Pitching machines: coaches requested an additional pitching machine; staff and LBSA discussed the cost differences and ball‐type restrictions (some machines require dimpled balls or specific models to avoid damage). - Turf lifecycle: a staff member said existing turf on the large field will likely need replacement after roughly 8–12 years, with heavy‑use spots (first-base area, mounds) reducing life expectancy.
LBSA asked parks staff to supply a short list of priority projects and ballpark cost estimates so both groups can coordinate on funding and grant applications, including Shields grant opportunities. The board discussed pursuing partnerships and multiple grants to spread costs and avoid duplicative efforts.
No formal funding decision was made at the meeting; the groups agreed to continue coordination, with LBSA focusing this year on turf for batting cages if they can raise or provide funding and the city exploring cost estimates for netting and other immediate safety fixes.
