Lighting for Softball Fields on Agenda for City Council Meeting

Project will replace lighting fixtures that can't be serviced

If you have travelled through town, you may have noticed a lot of progress being made on the city owned ballfields on North Market Street in between the Great Miami River and Staunton Road. Both the booster organizations of both the high school’s baseball and softball teams are embarking on an ambitious project to upgrade and enhance the North Market Street Ballfields.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of local organizations, community contributions, and significant donations, these separate projects are moving ahead. Spearheaded by the Troy Baseball Parents Association and the Troy High School Softball Parents Association (THSSPA), these initiatives aim to revitalize the highly visible, but clearly worn facilities.

Last year, the Troy Baseball Parents Association proudly accepted a $100,000 donation from Superior Credit Union. This generous contribution marks the commencement of a multi-phased improvement plan for the baseball fields. The plan highlighted the planned enhancements including field leveling, upgraded lighting, safety nets, a new backstop, potential turf, concession stands, spectator patio, and concrete bleachers as significant developments that promise to enrich community sports experiences.

Parallel to the baseball fields' upgrades, the Softball Parents Association is overseeing a comprehensive nine-phase renovation project for the city-owned softball fields on North Market Street. With contributions from local businesses and individuals, as of January, Phase III of the project was underway, featuring the construction of a 42-inch-high raised seating area and an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant ramp.

These improvements, aimed at increasing safety and accessibility, reflected a deep commitment to ensuring that all community members can enjoy the games comfortably. Scott Beeler, Troy High School Varsity Softball Head Coach, shared his motivation for the project, inspired by witnessing the difficulties faced by a grandparent unable to access the seating area due to mobility issues, as he spoke to local media.

In the same media report, The City of Troy was reported to have allocated approximately $4,000 towards the softball fields' renovations, with further funding sourced from private donations. As the projects progress, both associations continue to seek additional support to bring these visions to fruition. The enhancements to the North Market Street Ballfields represent more than just physical upgrades; they signify a strengthening of community spirit, support for local youth sports, and a shared commitment to improving public spaces for the benefit of all residents.

During tonight’s city council meeting, the city council will discuss a resolution to put out to bid a project for $175,000 to install new lighting at the softball fields. The city administration has stated that the lighting is old and can not be adquately serviced. The city provided the $175,000 expense in the 2024 budget. During Council’s Recreation and Parks Committee that discussed the lighting, the city admnistration indicated that the lighting would not be able to be installed until after this upcoming softball season.

As Troy looks forward to the completion of these projects, it stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to support its public spaces and recreational facilities. The leadership of those volunteer organizations that support our young softball and baseball players can not be understated. If it were not for the hard work of these organizations, many of the improvements we are seeing at the North Market Street Ballfields would simply not be happening.

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