Alpine ISD representatives and city staff presented an update Oct. 29 on plans to renovate Manuel Pain Field at Coconut Park, with the district seeking a multi‑party funding and implementation strategy involving the city, the county and local leagues.

What they presented: Dr. Reinhardt (Alpine ISD) summarized outreach and planning work since an initial interest meeting, noting vendor visits that identified major playing‑surface problems: uneven grades in the outfield (as much as a foot to a foot‑and‑a‑half change across the field) and persistent burrowing gophers/ground squirrels. Preliminary, partial cost estimates for non‑field items — infrastructure and fan experience improvements — ranged between about $150,000 and $190,000. Those figures do not yet include full outfield regrading or a turf solution.

Options discussed: Vendors advised that a full grass regrade (scrape, relevel, replace soil, control pests) would be expensive and requires an effective long‑term gopher eradication plan. A turf outfield was presented as an alternative that could reduce gopher recurrence and might change the overall cost calculus; one vendor indicated that converting the entire field to turf could be cost‑competitive for a softball facility because of field size. Council and ISD officials discussed a phased approach to prioritize safety, playing surface and restroom access.

Community involvement and in‑kind work: Dr. Reinhardt and others emphasized potential for local in‑kind contributions — welding students, concrete donations, and volunteer contractor hours — to reduce hard costs for bleachers, bullpens and other items.

Timeline: Dr. Reinhardt suggested a target construction window around June–July 2026, contingent on securing firm cost estimates and project commitments from partners.

Why it matters: Council members described the project as an opportunity to restore a stable facility for school athletics and youth recreation, noting the potential for community pride and increased use of municipal parks. Council asked the ISD and project team to return with firm quotes and a proposed interlocal agreement defining funding commitments and access rights before making financial commitments.

Speakers: Dr. Reinhardt (Alpine ISD), Coach Chris (Alpine High School coach), Council members Rick Stevens, Portillo and others. Coach Chris highlighted the importance of a dedicated home field for girls’ teams and the community benefits of a phased, sustainable investment.

Follow-up requested: Obtain written quotes for full regrade/grass overhaul and a turf option; map total project cost; draft an interlocal agreement template clarifying maintenance and scheduling; and identify potential county/ philanthropic partners and grant sources.