Diamonds taking shape at Carrington City Park

Three new fields at City Park in Carrington are in various stages of completion, but one goal remains constant: to have the major work done in the next few months in preparation for next spring and summer's baseball and softball seasons.

Two out of the three are almost completed, according to Park Board President Randy Hooey.

"All three are expected to be completed this fall, and playable right away in the spring," Hooey said.

The new Cal Ripken baseball field is practically completed, with the exception of dugout interior work, backstop netting and bleacher installation.

Infield dirt is in place, along with a level bed of grass on the field and black banners extending from the foul lines towards center field reading, "Home of Redbirds Baseball."

On the southeast side of the park, the north and south softball fields are also in progress.

The north field's timeline is a bit ahead of the south's at the moment.

"We're very close to being done with the north diamond," said Hooey. "There's still grass seeding, finishing a little bit of agrolime, and a small section of fence [from the third base dugout to the left field wall]. Also, we have to install the dugout interiors and hang the backstop netting there, too."

On the south diamond, dirt work still needs to be completed before the rest of the field can proceed.

"Some of the challenges we've experienced are costs associated with shipping and delivery of materials," said Hooey. "[The weather] drying up has definitely helped with those projects, and we're looking forward to having a solid fall to get things done."