Municipal Ballpark to See $1.5 Million Expansion - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Municipal Ballpark to See $1.5 Million Expansion

    Municipal Ballpark on Washington and Front, is getting ready for major changes.
    1992 was the last time significant renovations were done to the ball field.

    In 2011 the infield was reconstructed, but that was just the beginning of what the Bismarck Baseball Boosters wanted to renovate.
    A 1.5 million dollar expansion is now in the works.
    Plans to double seating capacity, a new grandstand with stadium seats.
    Better concessions and restrooms.
    Even a new practice facility which includes an extra practice infield, batting cages, pitching mounds.
    The dugouts will also be lowered to improve site lines, and the field which is the biggest in the state will be shortened out to center and left.
    The Committee Co-Chairs are hoping all the renovations will create a better atmosphere for baseball.  

    Co-Chair Al Bortke says for a lot of years Municipal was considered one of the best parks in the state, but now the park has fallen behind in comparison to other stadiums.
    Changes need to be made to bring in tournaments and just keep up with the expanding needs of having 4 high schools, a college team and multiple Legion and youth programs all making use of the facility.

    The bleachers that currently sit at Muni will be moved to Haaland Field south of town, along with the PA system to upgrade that facility.
    And the bleachers at Haaland will move to Tatley to make that field better.
    The committee is hoping to break ground on the 1.5 million dollar project in August of 2013 as soon as the Legion season ends.
    And be finished in time for the 2014 baseball season.

    There has been some interest from the Northwoods League in moving a team to Bismarck.
    The committee is hoping the improvements to the park is what will make a move here more realistic.
    You can get a hold of Bismarck Parks and Rec if you're interested in donating to the fund at 222-6455.