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Local baseball group pitches to lease, upgrade BH batting complex
Summary
Representatives of the Woodford County Baseball and Softball Association presented a proposal to lease and renovate the BH batting and hitting complex at County Park, saying the nonprofit would prioritize youth access while pursuing upgrades funded by local fundraising.
Greg Gresham, representing the Woodford County Baseball and Softball Association, told the Woodford County contracts and leases committee that his volunteer nonprofit wants to take over the batting and hitting complex at County Park near Chandler Field and refurbish it.
"We saw a need that we could come in, we could fundraise, we could take over this facility, update it, upgrade it, bring it up to the modern world," Gresham said. He told the committee the facility had not been updated since the 1990s and that the group has already done some improvements with Parks and Recreation’s help, including new turf, netting and paint.
Gresham said the association would rent the facility primarily to local teams and offer open dates to others if available. He said the group has held fundraisers and coach/player clinics and that during March the building is used for younger leagues free of charge: "During the month of March, the building is used specifically for them ... it's a free service to them."
Squire Blackford asked how the association would bring more youth into baseball and softball; Gresham cited seasonal clinics, coach training and year-round programming intended to retain local players who otherwise travel to nearby cities. Parks and Recreation staff confirmed that youth leagues have priority scheduling during their seasons and that the department maintains the building under current arrangements.
No formal action was taken by the committee at the meeting. The judge executive said the court would not take action that day so members could "ask questions, do their research," and any lease would return to the full fiscal court for consideration.
The committee discussion also touched on an existing long-term lease for the youth softball facility and on scheduling procedures intended to preserve access for recreational leagues. Parks staff said travel teams historically reserve paid times while rec-league and youth access during season remain prioritized.
Next steps: The presentation was informational; committee members said they would review the association’s business plan and may bring a lease proposal back to the court after staff follow-up and legal review.
