BLOUNT COUNTY, Tennessee — Community leaders hosted a community meeting on Monday to discuss the Eagleton Ballpark Renovation Plan. The meeting was at the Fellowship Hall of Village Missionary Baptist Church and started at 5:30 p.m.
According to a press release, the county already started initial work on the renovation site. It is meant to address stormwater issues while also upgrading ball fields for schools and community youth leagues. By the end of the project, the park is expected to have the same number of ball fields and walking trails but will be able to handle stormwater and drainage better.
Two fields will be used by teams from Eagleton College and from Career Academy. The remaining fields will be available for community youth leagues, according to the release. They may also be used for regional tournaments, the release said.
“I am happy to tell you that these plans do in fact enhance the stormwater issues for the community, and that we are in ongoing discussions with the State Department of Transportation to address the traffic around the ballpark to alleviate congestion where possible,” said Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell in the release.
Around 85% of the cost of renovating the park will be covered by funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, according to the release.
Leaders also plan to draft a request for proposals, hoping to hire a company experienced in maintaining ballparks to help enhance youth leagues and find the best uses for regional or national tournaments.
"Whoever we partner with to operate the ballfields, will work with our Eagleton College and Career Academy teams and our local Parks and Recreation to provide the best experiences for our kids and grandkids," the release said.