Total project to cost $1.97 million

By Robert Cloud

Laura Colbert, director of Waupaca’s Parks and Recreation Department, spoke to the Common Council on plans to upgrade Lakemen Field at its March 7 meeting.

She said Rettler Corp., a landscape design and architecture firm out of Stevens Point, had prepared a master plan and cost estimate for a project at the field.

The project would feature a new infield, lights, bathroom and concession building, an additional batting cage, right field fence adjustment, backstop, dugouts and 44-stall parking lot.

Rettler estimated the total project would cost approximately $1.97 million.

Colbert said the Lakemen Field stakeholder group met Feb. 28 and decided to take a phased approach to the project.

The stakeholder group includes representatives from Waupaca High School baseball, Waupaca Lakemen baseball, parents, the baseball board and Josh Peterson, caretaker of the city’s parks.

“It’s a conglomeration of everyone who’s really invested in Lakemen Field,” Colbert said.

First phase

During the project’s first phase, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department would install six new light poles and lights. Currently, the field has eight lights, but the new fixtures are brighter halogens.

The city will also update the sound system and work on upgrading the infield in the first phase.

The total estimated cost for the first phase is $425,000 to $450,000.

Colbert said the department has set aside $350,000 from its 2024 capital budget for the lights, with 50% of that amount coming from donations.

The city would contribute $175,000 to the project’s first phase through general obligation bonds.

The department hopes to break ground on the project in the fall of 2024.