It was December 2016 when Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Director Don Burton brought City Council up to speed on developments at Bridgeport Recreation Complex, including the addition of two new ballfields to the complex’s northern bay area. He said late this week that finishing touches were coming along nicely, adding that the fields should be ready by April 1, in time for the launch of the Bridgeport Little League season.

 

The regulation C-ball and T-ball fields will replace those adjacent to Wayne Jamison Field which, because of forthcoming construction of a new Johnson Elementary School, will no longer exist, Burton said.

 

The new fields can also be utilized for youth soccer, freeing up space formerly used between Hinkle and Deegan Lakes. Though that location has worked in the past, there have been some problems with parking, Burton said.

 

It’s all an effort to keep up with a growing, active community, said Burton, who has worked with Warren Bulesco of WTW on a plan to utilize space at Bridgeport Recreation Complex most efficiently.

 

There has also been recent work at the Rec Complex which involves regular maintenance and upkeep.

 

“We’re reattaching the nets - which are 30 feet in the air. They are broken and the nylon is kind of worn so we’re putting new cable at the bottom,” Burton said. “High winds are busting the plastic ties that hold the nets against the fence post, so we went in and installed cable along the lower side where the nets are breaking free – and attaching that with metal clips.”

 

The Parks and Recreation staff has also been doing some measuring for some potential new lots for the Rec Complex parking lot.

 

“We might possibly be adding the lighting in June, but we’ll have to wait and see,” Burton said.