Balch Springs EDC approves $750,000 for Irvin Park field renovations, separately allocates funds for fence upgrades

The Balch Springs Community and Economic Development Corporation (Type B) voted July 9 to approve up to $750,000 this fiscal year to begin a phased renovation of the baseball fields at Irvin Park, 4208 and 4400 Shepherd Lane, and separately approved up to $150,000 for fence upgrades at the same complex.

City staff told the board the full proposal from Sports Field Solutions would cost about $1.2 million to fully revamp four fields, including irrigation and lighting, but that staff recommended approving up to $750,000 now because that was the budgeted amount for the current fiscal year. The board also approved a separate funding authorization, not to exceed $150,000, for upgraded fencing and related backstops.

Staff said the vendor, Sports Field Solutions, is on the BuyBoard procurement cooperative and has completed similar projects in the region. Sports Field Solutions representative Mark Olsen told the board the installation package does not include ongoing maintenance services but does include maintenance recommendations and initial on-site training for city operations staff; additional maintenance contracts would be priced separately.

City staff and the vendor outlined a phased schedule: if approved, work would begin after agreements are finalized, with a tentative mobilization in September. The vendor estimated about one month of construction per field and recommended an additional month for turf establishment; staff said the board’s authorization would fund work on the two front fields and irrigation this fiscal year, with the remaining two fields and remaining scope to be budgeted in FY2026.

Board discussion clarified finances and timing. Staff said the proposal’s total cost is "a little over 1,200,000" and that the recommended $750,000 is the amount set aside from this year’s budget. Staff said the remaining balance—about $592,000—would be requested from the board in the next fiscal year budget process starting Oct. 1. The board recorded the motion to approve funding for the field renovation (motion by Director Helen Shelby; seconded by Director Wanda Adams) and the motion to approve fence upgrades (motion recorded by the secretary, vote seconded by Director Christopher Watson). Both motions passed unanimously.

The board packet includes the vendor proposal and a project budget; staff said the project will be broken into phases so the city can start immediate repairs to make fields playable while completing additional amenities in later phases. Staff added that the city is seeking separate maintenance pricing to consider an operation-side agreement after construction is complete.

The board’s approvals authorize staff to execute contracts and proceed with phase 1 work within the approved limits; staff said any additional funding to complete the total project would return to the board for action in the new fiscal year.

Ending: Staff said they will return with phase‑2 budget requests after the FY2026 budget is adopted and will keep the board updated on procurement and schedule.