Council backs three‑year plan to repair McCandless baseball field, appoints Max Allen project chair

Council member Max Allen presented a multi‑year improvement plan for McCandless baseball field at the Wymore City Council meeting on July 1, proposing phased work to address erosion and upgrade facilities.

Allen asked the council to consider a three‑year program. In Year 1 he proposed an infield rebuild, construction of a retaining wall with backfill, replacement of boards on picnic tables and stands, repair of the scoreboard, and repair of a leaking faucet behind the backstop (which City Superintendent Tim Sedlacek said he was unaware of and will inspect). Year 2 would include installation of an infield fence, dugouts and roofs, placing concrete over the backfilled area (approximately 15 feet from the infield fence), adding sunshades over stands and the scorekeeper area, and leveling and grading the outfield turf. Year 3 would add irrigation, electrical in dugouts and LED ballpark lights. Allen said parents and coaches have been maintaining the field and asked the city to help pursue grants to fund the improvements.

A motion by Neil Van Boening, seconded by Curt Oblinger, appointed Max Allen as chairperson of the project and authorized him to move forward; the motion carried 4-0. The council also recorded a plan to begin applying for grants and to coordinate with city staff for inspections and next steps.

The council included this item among routine business; the Budget Workshop on July 22 may provide an opportunity to discuss funding options.