Major Construction at Atkins wrapping up

The major construction at the Atkins ballfield complex is wrapping up. The third filed is in play now. The concession stand exterior is complete. There's just some interior items, the sewer line and some stormwater controls to be completed.

There's a lot of finishing touches like landscape, some more walks and removal of excess materials to be done. But the big items are just about complete.

Atkins overflow parking area ready for use

With the third field almost ready for use it was apparent there was need for additional parking at the Atkins Ballfield Complex. There's a new graveled area that can be used for parking if the asphalt lots fill up.

By a lucky coincidence, this gravel area in is the spot were there was a top soil stockpile. Since the topsoil needed to be moved it was placed where the two remaining fields will be eventually built. They'll be getting a temporary seeding to prevent erosion but the fields will be seeded with the outfield grass in the fall.Until their final construction these areas could become warm up fields.

Fencing for the New Field at Atkins

The fencing work for the new field at Atkins Memorial Park has started. The backstop poles and most of the 16 foot line posts are in. If the weather holds the contractor may be be done in about two weeks with the rest of the fencing. Other work such as irrigation, lights infield construction will remain to be done.

The new field will be an on-going construction site for some time. Please keep away from all construction and materials for your safety.

Construction of New Field at Atkins

Construction of a new baseball field at Thomas E. "Country" Atkins Jr. Memorial Park will begin shortly. The field will be 350 feet to center and 315 feet to the right and left field corners. The fence will be constructed first with the other components to follow.

How many games got cancelled this summer?

That's a question that we usually never get asked....until this year.

Check out these stats as provided by Carol Riney, Sports Supervisor.

Depending on whether Friday gets rained out (as this will increase Rainbow stats because that's are last summer league games):

For summer leagues only:
- 5.5 tournaments were canceled due to the rain
- 36 different league nights were affected by rain

During these 36 nights there were:
- 28 hours of rental time for practice at Rainbow during the week prior to season
- 430 games at Antimi were rained out - 236 of these games were not made up
- 665 games at Rainbow were rained out - 174 of these games were not made up

This is the first time we have never made up all games for the adult leagues at Rainbow. Those teams that were impacted were given several choices such as playing make-up games on other nights, playing in a tournament, or receive a letter of credit for the missed games. Overwhelmingly, the teams wanted a letter of credit.

Fall leagues are not starting off any better. So far, 32 games have been cancelled at Antimi.

In looking at the Old Farmer's Almanac long range weather forecast for our area, they're calling for alternating weeks of sun and rain.

Let's hope things improve for the remaining of the season.