Quinn, a parks staff member, presented a concept plan to reconfigure Memorial Park’s softball complex and prioritized constructing a new central concession building ahead of full field rebuilds. The phased approach would have the concession stand ready before the 2026 opening day, with full field demolition, grading and seeding taking place after the spring season so turf is established for subsequent play.

The proposal calls for three rebuilt regulation fields set in a clover pattern around a central concession and restroom facility; a fourth field is being held for later because adding it would affect existing tennis courts and bathrooms. The presenter said the concession building would include full plumbing and a grease trap so it can meet health‑department standards, and that the Babe Ruth field would finally have permanent restrooms rather than porta‑potties.

Staff told the committee that consultants recommended building the concession facilities first rather than attempting simultaneous full field construction, which would likely produce inferior playing surfaces for youth softball. To address chronic drainage problems staff said they plan to raise the center of the site about a foot to improve runoff and prevent frequent ponding that now sidelines games for days.

Committee members raised maintenance and equipment questions — including whether a turf infield is feasible — and staff said they will ask the project consultants for pricing and options. Other operational considerations discussed included accessible announcer arrangements (staff said wireless announcing systems could substitute for an ADA‑required elevated booth), minor fence relocations on the northernmost field, and scheduling to use alternate fields during construction.

Next steps: staff will seek consultant cost estimates for turf and other options, pursue design details for the concession facility, and return to the committee with project timing and funding information. The project is tied to the park master plan and is aimed primarily at improving facilities for youth softball leagues.