Expanded Ball Field Alleviates Scheduling Conflicts at Lander Sports Facilities

In Lander, baseball and softball are growing in popularity among adults and kids, but residents are maxing out all available ball fields, with games and practices often scheduled on top of one another, creating confusion and disorganization. Two baseball leagues with multiple teams each, two softball leagues including one recreational and one through the school, plus adult softball leagues all compete for field time, using every regulation-sized field in Lander. When the new head coach for high school softball realized just how crowded the schedule was, she looked at other fields available in town and noticed one wasn’t being used—and it wouldn’t take much to get it in usable shape. The unused North Park field isn’t regulation size, which is the only reason teams can’t use it, but removing the current fence and reinstalling it a few feet farther back will make it ready to alleviate traffic issues at other facilities. The expanded field will serve multiple leagues and provide a backup during wet times when other fields are too muddy for play. The city will contribute $2,900 toward total costs and move light and electric poles in the fence’s new location. LOR’s funding will help cover contractor costs for fence removal and installation at the proper distance.