Work to upgrade the baseball field at Islamorada’s Founders Park is up to the plate.
Islamorada Manager Ron Saunders said the village issued a permit to the Monroe County School District’s contractor, Keystar, to begin the removal of the existing natural grass field and fencing. Considered the first phase of renovations to the baseball facility, Keystar will install a new artificial surface, fencing, dugouts and batting cages. The field serves as the home to the Coral Shores High School baseball program.
A $3.8 million project led by the school district on village property saw years of discussions among stakeholders in the community. There was also an impasse which lasted months among the governing entities regarding the project’s oversight and control.
A license use agreement, which details the respective rights and obligations of the village and school district related to reconstruction and use of the baseball field, was finally agreed to by the governing boards in late July. The consensus came following a rare joint meeting several days before between the school board and village council.
“At the end of the day, I think the most important thing is the safety of the kids in getting this field right,” councilwoman Anna Richards said.
Saunders said the village’s building department is coordinating with Keystar Construction on design plans for site work preparation for field drainage and new dugouts. The upgrades are expected to be ready in time for the upcoming baseball season.
The project initially included a two-story facility behind home plate for concessions, bathrooms and a press box. Questions and concerns over the building led village and school officials to put that on hold.
