Spokane will be bursting with new turf for youth

Thu., April 7, 2011

By Pia Hallenberg piah@spokesman.com (509) 459-5427

Baseball field rates

At Dwight Merkel Sports Complex, an adult softball game costs $26.25.

At Franklin Park the fee is $22. Without lights, a game at Merkel will run $18.75; $14.75 at Franklin Park. At Merkel, a Spokane Public Schools’ or youth baseball or softball game will cost $22.50 with lights – or $18.50 at Franklin Park.

Without lights, a game will be $15 at Merkel and $11 at Franklin.

To be included in updates about the youth baseball fields, scheduling and field allocation policies and procedures, send an email to ngoodspeed@spokanecity.org and ask to be added to the distribution list.

Players and coaches can also visit www.spokaneparks.org or call (509) 625-6200

The Spokane Parks and Recreation Department has finished constructing and refurbishing nine youth baseball fields across town.

As part of the 2007 Parks Improvement Bond, $3 million was designated to convert nine general use softball and baseball fields to youth baseball fields.

The fields are located in each of the three city council districts: two in Underhill Park, one at Liberty Park, three at Chief Garry Park, two at B.A. Clark Park and one at the new Dwight Merkel Sports Complex. But eager players have to hold their bats for just a short time longer.

The Parks Department’s Craig Butz said the fields will be offline until the turf is well established.

For now, youth baseball has access to the Dwight Merkel Complex and to Franklin Park.

“We believe strongly in helping our kids be active and healthy,” wrote Leroy Eadie, Spokane Parks and Recreation Department Director, in a statement announcing the fields.

The Spokane Parks and Recreation Department is now managing and scheduling Franklin Park softball and Southeast Sports Complex as well as all other softball and baseball fields owned by the parks department and located within the city limits.