City spruces up parks

The City of Pittsburg has been investing in its city parks, and the Fair Park Little League baseball field is among the latest improvements.

The city’s contractors recently put the finishing touches on the new dugouts, backstop, and fences at the east Fair Park Little League baseball field. The parking area is finished there, and the sidewalk and fencing around Fair Park have been upgraded. The sidewalk and fencing start on Mattison Street, wrapping around the park down Texas Street all the way to the Little League fields.

“The Pittsburg City Council and Mayor Shawn Kennington have made significant efforts and investment into city parks over the past five years,” said City Manager Clint Hardeman. “Quality of life for the community is important to the city. These efforts have proven to be successful with the increased usage at the city parks.”

Bubba Ratley, president of the Pittsburg Baseball and Softball Leagues, said the city has completed its renovation of the old Church baseball field on Texas Street. According to Ratley, the dugouts and fences are in, but the league intends to work on the infield and outfield to get them in prime condition before next season.

The renovated girls’ softball field is now using the old lighting from the football field, which has new lighting, Ratley said. This field has also received extensive renovation with new fencing and dugouts, and more improvements are planned.

The Gazette reported in 2017 about Pittsburg ISD’s plans for the junior varsity teams to use this field as its primary game and practice field. Those renovations are still underway and not only the high school but the city league will use the field.

The City Council at its May 14 council meeting approved a resolution for a contribution of $50,000 from the Pittsburg Economic Development Corporation to the City of Pittsburg for its park improvement project.

The city has not yet announced what that money will be used for.

“Future projects are in the works and those details will be shared when they are finalized,” he said.