The Emporia Recreation Commission is eyeing 2021 — and likely 2022 or beyond — with some major renovations in mind for three sports complexes in town.
Following Monday’s monthly board meeting, Rec Commission Director Tom McEvoy tells KVOE News further research is coming for potential improvements at Whittier Park, Santa Fe Park and the DeBauge Sports Complex. McEvoy says the soccer complex could see a lot of work, including more parking and a new parking surface.
McEvoy also anticipates some kind of a “pad” approach, where the Rec Commission can stripe fields as needed, depending on the event.
McEvoy says Whittier’s upgrades could involving repositioning the T-ball field and adding other amenities.
Santa Fe could have similar upgrades and could also see backstops, dugouts and fencing replaced. McEvoy says the Rec Commission was pleased with the ballfield renovations at Peter Pan Park, and renovations at Santa Fe and Whittier could have a similar look.
Monday’s discussion is part of the preliminary stage towards possible improvements, along with concept plans. Cost estimates have not been finalized. The current plan would be to use general obligation bonds for construction, especially with the low interest rates currently on the market.
