Improvements made at softball field

By Donnie A. Lucas

Improvements are underway at the city-owned softball field at Webb City Park, with larger dugouts being constructed and the visitor seating area improved.

The old chain link dugouts have been taken out and city workers, along with volunteers, have started setting the cinder block walls. The chain link back stop will also be replaced with nylon netting to provide fans with a less obstructed view.

In addition, the project will include building platforms to raise up spectator seating and adding guard rails.

“We are trying to make upgrades at the field to provide the best facility we can,” said parks manager Brian Holson. “Even though the park is fairly new, the chain link fencing is already starting to curve and buckle.”

The dugouts will be about four feet deeper and will include a storage closet to house equipment.

“Once we get the chain link down, there will be only four poles remaining to hold up the netting system,” Holson said. “Fans should have much better visibility without all the poles in the way, plus they will be sitting a little higher so they can see over the backstop wall.”

Currently, the backstop is made only from chain link. The new backstop will include a 30-inch tall cinder block wall that will stretch from one dugout to the other. Safety railing for the higher stands will be made from pipe salvaged from the current chain link fence.

The project is being funded partially by the city and funds donated by the Girls Youth Softball Association. Much of the labor is also being donated by residents.

Holson said he expects the dugouts to be completed in a month or so, with the entire project finished by the end of the year.

“We have worked on it early in the morning and will also be using the lights at night when the volunteers can be here and it isn’t so hot,” he said. “We have had several volunteers pitching in to donating their time.”