Washington County ball players, their families and fans took part in the inaugural games at the County’s newest athletic complex Tuesday evening, April 2. Four fields including two softball and two baseball fields are now open for County athletes to enjoy. They are located adjacent to Boones Creek Elementary School off Highland Church Road.
The fields were funded thanks to the cooperative efforts of the Washington County Commission and the Washington County Board of Education. The Washington County Commission approved spending $5.2 million in capital funding at Boones Creek Elementary School [inclusive of American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds and capital project funds] to build the new ballfields. The Washington County School Board has recognized the value of allocating $1 million in educational capital funds for the project.
“It is wonderful to get to say, ‘play ball’ on opening day and see our County youth enjoying the new facility,” said Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy during a brief opening ceremony Tuesday. “It is exciting to see the fields completed in a spirit of cooperation with the school board.” Grandy said that working together achieved the best recreational opportunities for the community.
“This is something the kids and parents in our region asked for and we are pleased to be able to deliver,” said Washington County Board of Education Chair Mike Masters, who doubled as an umpire Tuesday evening. “We look forward to continuing communications opportunities with the Washington County Commission.”
Washington County Commissioner Bryan Davenport threw out the first pitch.
The fields include dugouts, restrooms, fencing, concession stands and artificial turf infields.
Preston Construction won the bid to build the project. Thomas Weems Architect was the project’s architecture firm.
Photo: Commissioner Bryan Davenport tossed the first pitch to Catcher Zander Barney as Mayor Joe Grandy welcomed the crowd.