Sherry Koonce
The Port Arthur News
PORT ARTHUR —
Plans to construct two new softball fields, a concession stand and restroom facilities has Port Arthur officials saying “Batter up” to the likelihood of bringing softball tournaments to town.
Port Arthur is the recipient of a $400,000 matching outdoor grant awarded by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for improvements to Staff Sgt. Lucian Adams Park, off Ninth Avenue near Memorial High School.
The city will utilize bond money for its portion of the match.
Those improvements are expected to be completed in plenty of time to lure out-of-town teams to the city by this time next year, Albert Thigpen, director of the city’s parks and recreation department, said in a telephone interview Thursday.
“This is a way of generating revenue and bringing much more attention to Port Arthur,” Thigpen said.
City officials are in the process of negotiating a contract with Dikita Engineering to design the park upgrades.
Thigpen said two new high quality softball fields will be constructed near the two already in existence for a total of four fields. The new fields will have underground lighting and an irrigation system.
New fixed restrooms will be a huge plus for the facility since there are none now, he said.
“Currently all that is out there are Port-a-Potties,” Thigpen said. “And I can tell you the ladies don’t like using them.”
The concession/restroom facility will be constructed near the existing tennis court and pavilion.
Thigpen said the park was selected because of it’s close proximity to hotels and retail establishments — a location that should be attractive to out-of-town players and their families.
In addition to hosting softball tournaments, Thigpen said local residents would enjoy the upgrades.
“It will give our residents an opportunity to have several fields to play on. We have a number of league teams in the city,” he said.
skoonce@panews.com
