$2 Million Available in City Budget to Build Proposed Ball Fields

Waukee city leaders are considering constrution of four ball diamonds for recreational softball and baseball as part of next year's budget, the Des Moines Register reports.

There is about $2 million in the city's capital budget that could be spent on the project to have the fields ready in 2014, interim City Administrator Brad Deets told the newspaper.

Land west of Sixth Street, between University Avenue and Hickman Road, could be used for the sports park.

Councilwoman Shelley Hughes told the Register she supports the idea. “It means we’re going to have more facilities for our kids,” she said.

Parks and Recreation Director Matt Jermier told the newspaper the new fields will meet an immediate need for more practice and competitive space for residents. Jermier said he hopes construction on the fields could begin this summer.

Waukee residents in August 2010 voted down a proposal to build an aquatic center near the area where the ball fields would be built, the Register said.