PC park board receives $5,000 grant toward dugout roofs

Due to a recent Prairie Meadows grant of $5,000 and a few adjustments to the construction phase of the project, the Prairie City Park Board could be about ready to take the next steps to install dugout rooftops at six of the town’s ball fields.

According to park board president Scott Steenhoek, grants and donations received the past year have the board in a position where it could soon begin proceeding with the project following approval from board members, city council and the finalization of details.

The $5,000 community betterment grant has increased the project’s fund near an original quote of around $17,000 to $20,000 to install 12 dugout roofs. But design adjustments and refinement of material has significantly lowered that quote.

Originally, the plan was to install shed style roofs identical to the dugouts at the Monroe Recreational Complex, but Steenhoek said adjustments to the design will save money.

The project includes the four fields at the new recreational sports complex and two others in the city park off State Street. Details still need to be finalized before construction takes place, but progress is being made.

Not only would the covered dugouts act as a safety improvement to protect players from foul balls and sun exposure, but also give the recreational sports complex a better appearance to visiting teams.

The park currently hosts Des Moines Soccer Club games during the summer and the additions to the dugouts could bring more baseball and softball traffic to town, including tournament play.

Since the park board and nonprofit group Citizens in Action for Recreation Area Development (CIARAD) joined in this project to further improve the park, $7,500 in donations have been received on top of the $4,000 already set forth out of the park board trust fund.

Contact Alex Olp at aolp@myprairiecitynews.com