06-04-1990 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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MEMO TO: MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: MARY SAARION, DIRECTOR PARKS, RECREATION AND FORESTRY DATE: MAY 30, 1990 SUBJECT: GREENFIELD PARK BASEBALL FIELD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL Staff (including Mike Ulrich, Ric Minetor, Troy Gamble, Mary Johnson and Mary Saarion) met with Mr. Dennis Denning, high school baseball coach for Cretin High School to inspect and critique Greenfield Park baseball field. Mr. Denning is regarded as one of the best coaches in the state, coaching one of the consistently best high school teams in the state. Because of his tenure as a high school coach, he has acquired a great deal of knowledge regarding the elements of a good baseball field. Mr. Denning is well aware of the needs of space for various baseball age divisions. He currently works with the youth baseball program in the Highland area, coaches high school players, and plays in an old-timers baseball league. For these reasons, we requested Mr. Denning's opinion regarding necessary improvements for Greenfield Park baseball field to accommodate baseball players 13 years of age and older. Mr. Denning's first remarks were that Greenfield Park baseball field is a great field. • He did not see a problem with the 250 foot right field fence. His opinion was that with the left field line expanded to 300 feet and centerfield at 360 feet, the short right field line would be a fun element for batters to try to hit for a homerun. Mr. Denning did not like the idea of a higher fence in right field, noting that homerun balls are hit high and drop. For this reason, the higher fence would be useless. Mr. Denning agreed that the home plate playing area could be expanded. He suggested the installation of batting cages after observing the wear and tear of the infield and backstop from pitching and batting practice. Mr. Denning does not suggest players dugouts stating that they only provide a hangout for youth, become riddled with graffiti and a maintenance nightmare. He liked the players benches as they currently are situated with the safety fence at Greenfield Park. His final comment regarding dugouts was simply that the professionals use dugouts because the fields are tarped for rain, but in youth ball, everyone leaves the park when it rains. • Mr. Denning also suggested that grass should cover the entire infield area, leaving only basepaths in aggregate limestone. Currently the sideline and foul territory of the infield is aggregate limestone. The expanded grassy area would decrease maintenance upkeep.