(KTNC) - A brisk wind was blowing and a warm sun was shining Sunday, as a large crowd gathered in Dallas Jones Park in Falls City for the dedication of the Fiedler Family Ball Complex.
Initial discussions on renovating the ball fields began in 2006, and construction began last summer. Most of the work on the fields is complete, with some paving and landscaping still to be completed.
Rod Vandeberg, who spearheaded the fundraising drive for the project, was Master of Ceremonies. The ceremony included remarks be several dignitaries, including Falls City Mayor Tim Hersh, Lieutenant Governor Lavon Heidemann, and First District State Senator Dan Watermeier.
The total price tag for the ball field renovation came in at approximately $1.8 million. Brian Poppe, the Chairman of the Ballpark Committee, noted that most of that has come through local donations. (play audio :33)
In addition, Poppe thanked the local contractors who worked on the project. (play audio :26)
Turf Solutions Group of Peoria, Illinois, designed and constructed the fields. The company’s senior landscape architect, Bill Phillips, said it was a good decision to keep the fields centrally located at Dallas Jones Park and not move them north to near the aquatic park as had been proposed. (play audio :48)
Following the remarks, and a ribbon cutting, ceremonial first pitches were thrown at each of the newly renovated ball fields.
There are four fields in the Fielder Family Complex. They are named after major donors to the project – Ed and Sandra Hartman, Southeast Nebraska Communications, F-and-M Bank, and the Rod Vandeberg family.
The entire complex is named the Fiedler Family Ball Complex thanks to a $400,000 gift from the Richardson Foundation, with funds from the Fiedler Family – Amelia, Augusta, Frances, and Vera.
The overall project also included renovation of the softball field at Grandview Park, which is named the John and Amalia Morehead Field.
A “donor board” is posted at the entrance to the complex, listing all those who have donated to the project. Vandeberg said the committee is still accepting donations, as they’d like to set up a fund to provide for future maintenance and upkeep at the facility.
© MSC News
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Holton woman killed in Jackson Co car-deer accident
Revised flood predictions along the MO River
Lancaster shooting, threats, land man in jail
Valuation change notices coming soon for Nebraska residents
Case dismissed in charity fraud allegations
Three injured in Thursday Jeff Co collision
Atchison Police probe car wash thefts
One injured in Jeff Co collision
KHP pursuit ends in Jackson Co
Whiting woman sentenced in theft of fire dept. funds
Jeff Co North USD 339 bond issue defeated
Atchison Co's Laurie seeks another term as Sheriff
Atchison's Amelia fireworks voted 3rd in nation
Atchison Co vets to honor comrades Monday
USD 415 board holds special meeting
Former KS AG files for Congress
Brown Co Commissioner files for re-election
LATEST STORIES
Kansans, Moran, honor fallen on Memorial Day
HCF Match Day event raises more than $230K
Plans underway for " No Summer Hunger" program
Whiting woman sentenced in theft of fire dept. funds
HCC hires new Vice President for Academic Affairs
One injured in Jeff Co collision
Holton woman killed in Jackson Co car-deer accident
RELATED STORIES
Grand Opening Sunday For New Falls City Ball Complex
Grand Opening Set For New Falls City Ballpark Complex
Morehead Field Dedicated at Grandview Park
Falls City Council Approves Loan For Ballpark Project
Kiewit Grant Awarded to Falls City Ballpark Project
Falls City Recreation Announces Schedules Changes For Summer Leagues
Falls City Ballpark Project a Go
Falls City Ballpark Project Updated