City, Monroe Rotarians dig into new ball field

Published 10:25 pm Wednesday, May 27, 2009

MONROE — By the end of summer, Monroe kids should be able to play baseball rain or shine at the first all-weather ball park in the city park system.

Crews are busy building the $1.2 million field in Sky River Park. Work is scheduled to be completed in mid-July.

The new field will have all-weather turf, a backstop, bleachers, a concession stand and restrooms, said Mike Farrell, city parks and recreation director.

“We don’t have an all-weather athletic field in the city except for the high school football field,” Farrell said. “We expect to get a lot of use.”

The Rotary Club of Monroe struck a deal with the city in 2003 to build a field for the Miracle League, a baseball league for children with special needs.

The city donated the land and Rotary raised money and applied for grants to pay for supplies and construction, said Mark Mason, president of Monroe Rotary. Many local businesses offered discounts on supplies and labor, he said.

The city chipped in another $105,000 in development fees, which covered building and utility costs associated with the project. Last week the City Council agreed to spend another $7,500 to install underground power lines.

The completed ballpark goes back to the city after construction is finished. Under the agreement, children with special needs will have priority booking the field. Otherwise, anybody can use it.

Nearly 50 children are involved with the Miracle League and more are expected to join after the field is completed.

“It’s all about the kids,” Mason said. “These kids love playing sports. They put their heart and soul into it and we are just grateful we can provide them this field for their use.”

Debra Smith: 425-339-3197, dsmith@heraldnet.com.