Lake Fayetteville Softball Complex (Flyer photo)The city will host an opening ceremony for the newly renovated Lake Fayetteville Softball Complex on Monday, June 10.
The event begins at 6 p.m. and will include remarks by Mayor Lioneld Jordan along with Byron Humphrey, the city’s parks operations director. After the remarks, Jordan will throw a ceremonial first pitch on field 1, marking the start of the summer adult softball season.
Renovations at the 49-year-old complex began last summer, and included upgrades to the fields, restroom facilities, and playground area.
The project also addressed the stormwater drainage system, which Humphry was long overdue because rain had a tendency to wash out the fields which caused game cancellations and other issues. He said between the drainage upgrades and the addition of artificial turf – which dries quickly – the area should be much more playable after a storm.
Other improvements included adding new fencing, backstops, dugouts, bleachers, security lighting, and enhanced accessibility.
The council in 2022 approved a $146,780 contract with Crafton Tull for design of the project. Crossland Heavy Contractors was hired in 2023 for $38,950 for construction management of the total estimated $2.7 million project.
Money for the project came from the parks bond issue that voters approved in 2019.
Byron Humphry, the city’s parks operation director, speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for improvements at the Lake Fayetteville softball complex on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. (Flyer photo/Todd Gill)
