Little League field, park updates eyed

IRONWOOD - Renovation of Ironwood's Little League park, including the addition of a second field, could be a three- to five-year project, the city commission learned this week.

City manager Scott Erickson said Monday the project will likely begin this year because material from the U.S. 2 construction project is available to be used as fill for parking and trail development at the John Krznarich Little League field near the Pioneer Park Apartments.

Commissioners reviewed a concept plan developed for the city by Coleman Engineering, of Ironwood.

Prior to the city commission's discussion, former commissioner Monie Schackleford said she was concerned that expansion of the field could affect hiking trails in the nearby Miners Memorial Heritage Park.

She also said the city's parks and recreation committee should be involved in the planning process.

Former public safety department director Leroy Johnson, a member of the planning commission, said adding more parking at the site would improve safety, which has been an issue for many years.

"It looks like a very good plan," Johnson said.

He also said fill could be used on subsiding ground in that area.

"It's important to get that job done," he said.

Erickson said a site plan for the improvements will be brought for review before both the parks-recreation committee and planning commission.

He noted volunteer help and donations will be a big part of the project.

The concept plan calls for adding a parking area for around 100 vehicles, playground equipment, another scoreboard, more bleachers and barrier-free restrooms, among other improvements.

It also sketches out a 30-foot-wide multi-use trail.