Baseball, softball project continues forward

The Ottumwa Community School District Board of Education approved key plans for renovating Legion Memorial Field and constructing a new high school softball field in Ottumwa Park during a meeting at Career Campus. The board unanimously selected Axiom Consulting and Engineers for the project design, choosing a civil engineering firm to save costs compared to an architecture firm. Superintendent Mike McGrory stated the district has budgeted $5 million for the project, aiming to stay under budget with adjustments to the baseball field, including turf installation and bringing outfield fences closer to reduce foul territory. The project will feature grass at the softball field and turf at the baseball field, decisions influenced by a committee and a visit to Duane Banks Field at the University of Iowa. The softball field will include red stone instead of dirt, along with amenities like bullpens, a storage building, batting cages, and a grandstand. The middle school field, used for Babe Ruth League games, will receive lighting and surface improvements, though its use may shift to practice time due to the new turf baseball field. Activities director Brandon Brooks noted the turf baseball field will allow for year-round use, including practices in winter months, benefiting multiple programs. Assistant superintendent Brad McCloskey praised the conceptual design, highlighting the planned 500 parking spots. The board will approve the construction design package in July, with bid approval in August, followed by groundbreaking. The new complex is scheduled for completion in time for the 2027 season, merging baseball and softball operations into a shared space. The district expects cost savings from the turf choice and narrower foul territory, while the softball field’s amenities aim to enhance usability and spectator experience.