A $1.3 million renovation project is proposed for Memorial Field in Oconto Falls to repurpose the park formerly used for middle and high school football games and track meets. The Oconto Falls School District now has its own track and football field at the high school, leaving the city park open for redevelopment.
The City Council in November authorized Oconto Falls Parks and Recreation Director Sheila Manns to proceed with the first stage of a five-stage proposal to renovate the park. Stage 1, to build a hardball field where the track and football field are located, is estimated to cost $402,000. The project is to be funded entirely through sponsorships and donations.
The Times Herald sat down with Manns to hear an update regarding Memorial Field. Here are her paraphrased comments.
Q: What planning has been done so far?
A: In late November, the hardball field was staked out. A group of about five people, including representatives from Panther Pride and the city, met Dec. 2 to talk about the project. The group requested quotes for irrigation, electricity and lighting, and B.J. Eisch has assisted with design work and surveying.
Q: When will redevelopment begin?
A: Groundbreaking is scheduled for June. The planning committee wants the park to be available for the city’s annual Memorial Day celebration which includes carnival rides, a car show, a softball tournament, fireworks and a ping pong drop at Memorial Field.
Q: What will be accomplished first?
A: The track will be removed by city employees, except for a stretch in front of the bleachers that will remain as a driveway/walkway.
Q: When would the hardball field be ready for play?
A: The target date is spring 2017.
Q: What’s the expected completion date for the five-stage project?
A: That depends on funding available.
Q: What design is being used as the basis for the renovations?
A: The Oconto Falls School District created plans for the redesign of Memorial Field when it put forth a referendum to voters in 2004. The referendum failed, but the design is useful today.
Q: How much money has been spent on the project so far?
A: Nothing. Everything has been done by volunteers.
Q: What type of funding is available?
A: Oconto Falls Athletic Director Jerry Moynihan is working with representatives of Greenlight Grants to seek funding. Panther Pride is expected to present a donation for the renovations. The committee has yet to approach sponsors, choosing to wait until it has costs pinned down. Once that happens, the group hopes word-of-mouth will generate interest from private individuals and local businesses interested in committing money to the project.
Q: How will the proceeds from signs hung on the Memorial Field softball field fence be used for renovations?
A: The park and recreation program is replacing the heavy and outdated wood signs with vinyl signs. Businesses can pay $160 to have a vinyl sign created for the fence, then pay rental fees of $150 for one year, $250 for two years or $350 for three years. The park and recreation program will keep the first $800 it generates from rental fees; anything over that amount will be designated for field renovations.
Q: How many teams play ball during the summer leagues?
A: Eighteen youth teams played for Oconto Falls.
Q: Why is a project like this important to the community?
A: Any activity, like music, sports, art, is good for the kids. With more opportunities to get interested in something, they’re less likely to be tempted by drugs, stealing and violence. Even people who don’t have children who play ball can benefit from the project, because it affects everyone in the community. Families looking to move to the city look at what opportunities are available here; businesses prosper in a city that’s advancing and growing.
Q: What feedback have you heard from the public regarding this project?
A: Nothing negative.
Q: How can people get involved?
A: The planning group will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, in the commons at Oconto Falls High School, 210 N. Farm Road.
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