Lisle Park District and Lisle Baseball Softball League, Inc. Partner to Keep Fields Safe and Looking Great

Lisle Park District and Lisle Baseball Softball League, Inc. Partner to Keep Fields Safe and Looking Great

    Although the season is only six months of the year, the Lisle Park District plans and prepares for baseball and softball season year-round. Along with input from the Lisle Baseball Softball League, Inc., the focus for renovations is both better playing conditions and improving safety for participants and spectators. This year’s improvements will not only create a safer environment, but also provide Lisle some of the best-looking ball fields in the area. Together with the Lisle Baseball Softball League, Inc., the Lisle Park District has made dozens of upgrades throughout the twenty ball fields in within the Lisle Park District service area.

      “Our goal, along with Lisle Baseball-Softball league is to provide quality athletic programming for our residents, both young and old alike. The improvements made to the fields in the off season will help us make great strides in achieving this goal.” Erica Wise, Lisle Park District Athletic & Youth Camp Manager and Lisle Slammers Travel Softball 13U Head Coach.

    New infields were graded at Arbor View Park, Community Park fields one, two, five, and six, Kennedy Jr. High, Scheisher School, Surrey Ridge Athletic Complex field two and three, Tate Woods Park, and Todd Riley field at Beau Bien Park. The new dirt and infield grading improves the playability by creating a smoother surface which assists in drainage. Fewer games are cancelled due to muddy fields or puddles after heavy rains. At Community Park fields one, two, and five, dugout fencing was extended to help prevent foul balls from striking players seated in the dugouts. In addition, the entire baseball diamond at Tate Woods Park was moved 25 feet southwest to reduce the impact of trees around the perimeter of the field and improve safety for pedestrians using the walking path behind the backstop.

   Throughout 2011 and 2012, new fencing has been a significant focus in order to provide safer games for both players and spectators outside the field of play. Surrey Ridge Athletic Complex fields one through three, Tate Woods Park and Todd Riley Field all received new fencing that is a heavier grade, is higher to improve player and spectator safety, and is much more visually appealing. The fencing at Community Park field one was replaced to reduce the occurrence of dangerous and unpredictable bounces that could injure players. Also, field six at Community Park received much-needed safety upgrades including new fences around the perimeter, raised fences in front of the dugouts to improve player safety and enlarged dugouts to provide a safer on-deck area.

   "Lisle Baseball Softball League is committed to providing the boys and girls of Lisle and neighboring communities with the best possible playing conditions. We are proud of the ball fields in Lisle and appreciate the opportunity to work with the Lisle Park District in keeping the softball and baseball diamonds in great condition." Randy LaBelle, President of Lisle Baseball Softball League, Inc. More information about Lisle Baseball Softball League, Inc. is available at www.lislebaseballsoftball.org. On behalf of the Lisle Baseball Softball League, Inc., the Lisle Park District is collecting gently used baseball/softball equipment for “Pitch in for Baseball.” The equipment collected is distributed throughout underpriviledged communities “from Philly to the Philippines.” Donations may be brought to the Recreation Center, 1925 Ohio Street, Lisle, IL 60432.

   The Lisle Park District provides a variety of leisure activities for people of all ages throughout the year. Park district facilities include Lisle Community Park; the Recreation Center which houses Gentle Learning Preschool, Senior Center and multipurpose rooms; Sea Lion Aquatic Park; River Bend Golf Course; Wheatstack – A Midwestern Eatery & Tap and numerous neighborhood playgrounds and parks offering amenities such as tennis courts, ball fields, and picnic areas totaling close to 400 acres. It is the mission of the Lisle Park District to enrich the quality of life for people of all ages by providing constructive and creative leisure opportunities. For more information about the Lisle Park District, please call 630-964-3410 or visit www.LisleParkDistrict.org.