The evolution of the Bridgeport Recreation Complex continues – this time thanks to higher than projected returns on the city’s hotel/motel tax. Recently, Bridgeport City Council approved the allocation of funds that will add a third batting cage to the heavily used facility just off of State Route 131.

 

“The batting cage will be ready next season,” said Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Director Don Burton. “It’s more of a late fall or perhaps and early spring (of 2016) project, but it should be ready for use by the time the following season begins.”

 

The project that will create the new batting cage will cost $60,000. Unlike the two existing cages that are nestled between fields at the facility, this one will be located in the outfield in an area between what are known as Field #1 and Field #4. The area is the grassed area that can be seen by the new playground just prior to entering the complex.

 

“With this location, we’re hoping on covering them in a similar type of material as the canopies that currently cover the bleachers,” said Burton. “It’s still early in this process so we’ll have to see if that will work, but that’s the direction we’d like to take it in. We’re hoping to keep a consistent look.”

 

Burton said the batting cage will be the standard size. He said an additional batting cage is something that many utilizing the facility have inquired about.

 

“The current cages get plenty of use and when there is a break in the action, particularly due to inclement weather, teams generally like to utilize the cages for batting practice,” said Burton. “When you have a situation with weather and you have a lot of teams up there, the demand for them increases.”

 

The $60,000 for the project, as mentioned, is the city’s 3 percent cut of the 6 percent that is charged. The city’s 3 percent cut has to go toward a recreational use or the promotion of tourism or a recreational or tourism related venture as spelled out by state law.

 

The project will include a 72' x 30' concrete that will installed. The contractor will also handle the sleeves and posts that are utilized for the net installaton, while moving a light pole to the opposite side of the sidewalk in the project area.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows P&R Director Don Burton, left, showing staff member Russell Carpenter where the new batting cage will be located, while the bottom photo is of the existing cages at the complex.