Village manager reports progress on Memorial Field concession stand; committee readies summer permits and playground installation

The Lincoln Heights Recreation Committee heard an update on March 16 from Village Manager Brown on construction and facility plans at Memorial Field. Brown said masonry and the foundation for the new concession stand are largely done and crews are now raising walls, but weather has delayed work; he said a tentative completion window of late April to early May remains subject to change.

Brown told the committee the village met with its engineering partner and contractor and is holding biweekly construction meetings. "A lot of this stuff is weather dependent," Brown said, noting recent heavy rain and snow. He said the project team will circulate an updated work schedule to the recreation committee and council when it is available.

Why it matters: the new building will include two restrooms with running water and electric, which Brown said should reduce reliance on rented porta-potties for routine use and allow adjustments to vendor orders for larger events. Brown told members the village currently has materials to maintain the baseball diamond and will prepare fields for spring and summer use if permit applications arrive. He said staff had received a permit application for spring flag football but could not yet confirm summer baseball permit submissions.

Committee members asked questions about accessory facilities and operations. One member noted that porta-potty service under the villages Rumpke contract had been inconsistent in prior years; Brown said the vendor had provided one or two units at Memorial Field in the past and that the concession restrooms should lessen that need. "When we have larger events, I think it might be best to have more than two restrooms," Brown said, adding that vendors offer upgrade options for big events such as the community anniversary.

Members also discussed the parkour/playground equipment that the village previously purchased but has not yet installed. Brown said he is preparing permanent appropriations and collecting installation quotes so the equipment can be placed at Memorial Field as funds and schedules allow.

The committee also discussed outreach to youth sports groups: Brown said the Lincoln Heights football team has used the field frequently and that staff will work with the public-works director to prepare facilities. No formal action or vote was taken; Brown said draft schedules and permit confirmations will be shared with council and the recreation committee as they become available.