Diamond renovation bids sought

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A group leading the charge to renovate a ball diamond got an approval to start collecting bids at Wednesday’s Parks and Recreation Commission meeting.

Diamond 11 in McElroy Park will be converted into a fast-pitch softball diamond with work set to start in April if weather permits.

Costs are estimated at $20,000 for two dugouts, $6,000 for a scoreboard, $15,000 for a backstop, $25,000 for fencing and $4,000 for other work.

The $70,000 for the project is money from Jamestown Parks and Recreation, Jamestown Public Schools, Jamestown College and donors.

When completed the diamond will be a host field for Jamestown College and Jamestown High School.

“It’s not going to be Jack Brown (Stadium) but hopefully it’ll be a step above everything else, and hopefully people will see it and want to play there,” said Joan Morris, a project organizer.

To make more room and ease the congestion of traffic some light poles will be taken down and the diamond will be moved in by about 10 feet.

In other news:

* The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the purchase of 2013 Ford F-250 with the winter package and a snow plow for a total of $30,831

* approved a four-year lease on a mechanical sand rake for the bunkers at Hillcrest Municipal Golf Course for $4,787 a year

* agreed to install chain-link fencing around the skate park at McElroy park at a cost of $8,151

* learned the 19th annual 3D indoor archery shoot has been canceled at the Civic Center because of increased rent.

Sun reporter Ben Rodgers can be reached at 701-952-8455 or by email at brodgers@jamestownsun.com

Tags: local news, news, parks