Upgrades could be on the way to a field that serves as the home to Coral Shores Hurricanes baseball. That’s if the Monroe County School District and Islamorada officials agree on the improvements.
Last November, the school board voted 4-1 to award a request for qualifications for the design and construction of upgrades at Founders Park baseball field to Chris-Tel Construction. The board gave its support by adding that the item was contingent on the village council’s approval.
Pat Lefere, operations and planning director for the district, told the school board before the vote that it’s the first step in a lengthy process with significant review expected from the district and village on the specific enhancements.
Per the RFQ, the school board allocated $5 million for renovations, from artificial turf to replace the grass to new bleachers, backstop, fences, protective netting and dugouts. A new building for a concession stand, locker rooms, press box and bathrooms was also detailed. Lefere said the district began discussions with the village over ball field improvements two years ago.
The village of Islamorada will host a community meeting on Monday, March 4 at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center. The Monroe County School District will present its proposal for improvements to the baseball field at Founders Park.
The public is encouraged to attend. Residents may send their comments to public.comment@islamorada.fl.us. The email should contain the words “public comment” in the subject line.
