CITY HOPING FOR OUTREACH GRANT TO ASSIST
Two baseball fields in Platte City could use some upgrades in the drainage department, and a plan is in place for improvement work.
Funding to improve one of the two fields at Harrel Ferrel Park is included in the City of Platte City’s budget, but the city is applying for a Platte County Outreach Grant that, if approved, would enable both ball fields at that location to be improved this year.
Harrel Ferrel Park is located on the south side of Hwy. 92 in the heart of Platte City.
“The current condition of the ballfields is that they are functional and serve the current recreational program needs in dry weather conditions,” says DJ Gehrt, city administrator. “However the grade and elevation of the infield does not provide adequate drainage.”
Gehrt says spring and summer rains are often followed by extended periods of water ponding on the surface of the fields at Harrel Ferrel Park.
City officials say Harrel Ferrel Park is experiencing a number of age-related issues that will require ongoing maintenance, repair and replacement. The current city budget includes several projects and expenditures to begin addressing the items.
“Games and practices are regularly rescheduled due to this challenge, which has become a frustration point for the coaches and players in the city’s youth recreational league,” Gehrt said.
The city’s 2022-23 budget includes $30,000 to rehabilitate one of the ballfields. The grant application leverages the budgeted city funds as a match for the grant funding.
If Platte County awards the city an outreach grant, the second ballfield can also be renovated this year. If the city is awarded the grant, both fields can be addressed this year with the net use of $32,520 in city funds.
City officials say the ballfield rehabilitation project would be completed by a contractor specializing in ballfield rehabilitation and maintenance, and completing both fields in the same project will be more cost effective for the city and less disruptive to the field schedule.
Proposed project expenditures include infield renovations to the west field in the amount of $25,670; infield renovations to the east field at $25,150; windscreen replacement at the west field in the amount of $5,320; and repair of the outfield fence at $8,900.
Platte County Outreach Grant recipients will be announced by March, officials have said.
Gehrt said the city has been fortunate to receive several outreach grants over the years to support improvements such as restrooms at Platte Valley Park, bleachers at Harrel Ferrel Park, the Anchor Monument at Settlers Crossing Park and new picnic tables and trash bins at multiple city park locations.