Andalusia Council approves donation-funded turf replacement for Miracle League Park

The Andalusia City Council voted on June 2 to replace the playing surface at Miracle League Park at Johnson Park after a donor committed more than enough funds to cover the project.

The council’s presiding official said the field needs a new cover and estimated the replacement cost at about $150,000. "I have already secured a donation to pay for the entire cost of that park," the presiding officer said, identifying the donor as Gary Smith, former CEO of PowerSouth (PowerSouth Energy Cooperative), and saying the city had received a $160,000 check to fund the work. The official said the project could move forward through a vendor available on the state procurement list without a new competitive bid if no lower price is found on that list.

Councilman Powell moved that the council accept the vendor bid to replace the turf; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote with no opposition. The council directed staff to proceed with securing the contractor and scheduling installation so the field will be ready for the next Miracle League season.

Officials said the donation covers the full project cost and no city general-fund allocation for the turf replacement was requested during the meeting. The council did not provide a roll-call tally; the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

The presiding officer said work will be scheduled so the field is not left torn up during the league’s season. No contractor name, contract amount beyond the estimated cost, or timetable for completion was specified at the meeting.