Work to restore Brandon Park ballfields continues
Trending
The restoration of three ballfields at Brandon Park in Williamsport is underway.
Early September weather, despite the rain and thunderstorms, has made conditions perfect for the repairs.
Crews continue to restore the three fields just north of the Lycoming College campus.
Crews were taking down lighting, working in the outfield and restoring the dirt infield Thursday before the thunderstorms arrived.
Two of the Little League fields are a city-driven project using American Rescue Plan funds, while the college invested $2.5 million in restoring the senior-level field.
Recently, Mayor Derek Slaughter and City Council made it happen by approving an initial 25-year lease, which will give the Lycoming Warriors a home field in Brandon Park through at least 2048, with options for additional 10-year extensions at the end of each extension upon mutual agreement from the college and the city.
Meanwhile, Lycoming College's baseball program recently returned after a 50-year hiatus.
The field is a short walk from the college campus and there have been discussions with council about making a safer pedestrian crosswalk at Elizabeth Street and Washington Boulevard.
The baseball field will be completely redone, expanding dimensions to a collegiate-sized field with a 325-370-390-370-325 foot dimensions from right to left field. Field turf will be installed for the playing surface along with netting, fencing, dugouts and a scoreboard as part one of the phased project, with stands, a press box, bathrooms and lighting to follow in later phases.
Batting cages and bullpens are also part of the initial investment, as the field at Brandon Park will instantly become ideal for a Division III baseball team competing in Pennsylvania.
Lycoming has worked with Derck & Edson architecture firm to ensure the field enhances and preserves Brandon Park's landscape, ensuring an enjoyable experience for fans and athletes at the park.
The city projects below it are being paid for using American Rescue Plan funds, not from the general fund of the city budget.