Play ball!
Well, almost.
A proposal to resurrect a baseball field at the Highland Drive Elementary School took another step forward.
The baseball diamond has been dormant for 15 years.
The city is ironing out an agreement with the Brecksville-Broadview Heights School District for a $1 per year lease.
The school board has given the preliminary thumbs-up on a measure that would allow the city to lease the land and maintain the baseball field. The city, as well as the school district, would use it for baseball games.
Mayor Jerry Hruby said “the proposal is “not official yet” as city officials finalize the lease.
The lease will grant access to the schools during the week; and the city’s use during the nights, weekends and summer.
“We would be stripping foliage and re-grading and replacing the field,” said Hruby, adding that the city would also seed the outfield.
The city would also maintain the property “from that point on.”
The current fence and backstop would be removed and replaced. Aluminum bleachers would follow, but lights for night games aren’t a part of the game plan.
“In exchange, all we have to do is allow (the schools) to utilize the space during schools days, for recess and so on,” said Hruby.
“It’s a good deal…It give us a field at minimal cost.”
The work has not been priced out yet, but Hruby added that it would “cost less than $20,000 — probably around $10,000.”
After the board takes another look at the contract, and pending approval, council will consider the proposal at an upcoming meeting.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.