Overlook ballfields. Courtesy/LACBy KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
The softball fields at Overlook Park in White Rock have been a long-time staple at the park.
“The main part of it is well over 20 years old,” Los Alamos County Park Superintendent Jeff Humpton said. “In all that time there hasn’t been any major improvements save for removing and replacing the soil in the infield and replacing the fencing at the backstop and dugout.”
All that could change if voters pass the recreation bond this month. The ballots were mailed out Tuesday and they are due back to the County Clerk’s Office by 7 p.m., May 23. Voters are being asked to approve a $20 million general obligation bond, which will be repaid through property taxes. If passed, the County would add an additional $11 million to the budget by the end of this year from capital improvement project funds and transfer $2.4 million by 2019 from the permanent fund. The proposed bond is for a 20-year repayment period.
Besides the softball fields improvements, the bond also proposes to construct a splash pad in White Rock, a recreation center off DP Road, a multi-generational pool at the aquatic center and improvements to the Los Alamos County Golf Course. According to the website, www.LosAlamosBondProjects2017.com, the proposed improvements to the softball fields include new turf to the outfield, as well as new lighting, score board, a sound system, bleachers, bullpens, batting cages, net backstop and a new building that would house concessions, storage and restrooms. Parking would also be made accessible.
The opinion of probable cost for this project totals $1,042,000. The projected operating cost is $61,000.
“These field improvements really bring the facility to a much higher quality and playability,” said Recreation and Open Space Division Manager Chris Wilson.
He added while the County certainly does annual maintenance, certain things such as the light system is quite old and it is a challenge to service and maintain it. Although softball fields, numerous organizations and sports utilize this facility. Wilson said baseball and softball school teams play at the fields as well as Little League baseball and softball and adult leagues.
“We want to make the fields available for as many user groups that are interested in using them,” he said. Wilson said the fields were added to the list of projects proposed under the recreation bond after gathering feedback at numerous public meetings held in 2016. This particular project came up as one attendees felt was important. Humpton said a big reason for improving the fields is “we’re just trying to bring them up to new codes.”
