Lighted Baseball Field
Several improvements to Lighted Baseball Field were started in 2023. The baseball field was last rebuilt in 1995 and had other minor improvements made over the years. It is important to keep the field in good playing condition for the safety of the players.
Lighting retrofits took place in January and February of 2023 due to the need to work around the Osprey nest that is located on top of the left field lights. The poles were still in good condition and were reused, except for one new light pole that was installed near the Osprey nesting pole. The old pole was decommissioned, allowing the nest to remain untouched. The retrofits included new LED fixtures, electrical wiring from the fixtures to the panel boxes, a wireless control system with performance monitoring, and an electrical service upgrade. The upgrade provides environmentally friendly lighting for the residential area with less light spillage and the savings with LED lights will also be beneficial.
The field work started the end of August and included reshaping and grading the infield grass area, infield and baselines, reshaping and leveling a portion of the outfield, replacing the fence (backstop posts will remain), and rebuilding the pitcher’s mound. The use of sod, rather than seed, was used in order for play to resume are early as possible in 2024. The batting cage located north of the field, is also being replaced.
The trail that connects the parking lot and the baseball field will be replaced along with the installation of a new concrete pedestrian ramp. As part of the trail improvements, the timber curbing used along the north end of the trail was replaced with a bituminous curb. The park building located near the left outfield fence line, retaining wall and cement slab was removed and the slope regraded to eliminate the need for a new retaining wall. A 12’ x 12’ shade structure was installed in the area.
Final field work and punch list items are being completed this spring. It is expected that use of the field will start the end of May or early June.
To assist with funding for the project, the Twins Community Fund awarded the City a grant of $10,000.