Trenton to Refurbish Ball Field at Slocum Truax Park
Improvements will include new professional grade infield material and improvements to the pitching mound and home plate areas.
The dusty, old baseball field at Slocum Truax Park is set for revitalization after city officials approved significant improvements to one of Trenton's oldest playing fields.
Trenton officials worked with the Trenton Baseball Association to determine which field would receive improvements and Slocum Ball Field was deemed worthy.
Officials plan to install new professional grade infield material and improve the pitching mound and home plate areas.
Improvements will be paid for using Wayne County grant monies acquired through a Park Millage Grant Program.
Field selection for the project was determined by evaluating field condition, usage demands and eligibility under the grant criteria. The ball field must be owned by the city to meet eligibility requirements.
Slocum Ball Field is one of the hardest infields in the area and the improvements will help to condition the field, according to Joann Perna, director of Parks and Recreation.
The cost for the project was estimated to be about $4,000. Turf Grass Inc. of Novi, MI was selected to handle the improvements to the ball field.
*A previous version of this article stated monies were acquired by a Community Block Grant.
Nate Stemen
10:46 pm on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Have you played at this ball field? Thoughts?
David Leone
9:50 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
My son has played on this field a number of times. As a spectator, I agree It is quite dusty. The homeplate area is terrible. Kids can get hurt sliding into home just from the huge depression next to the plate (from kids digging their feet in when batting). Looks like an ankle buster to me. Conditions at the pitching rubber is similar. Also, the back stop needs some attention. There are weeds growing up in and around the fencing and catchers lose the ball in the weeds. What's worse, the bottom of the backstop fence is bent up in some areas which allows some balls that get past the catcher to possibly roll under the fence and out of play. The improvements to the field are much needed. I hope they work on the backstop as well.
melanie
1:33 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012
aka. "The sand-lot"
Melissa
12:29 am on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Propose a plan to build a complex at the former Owen School lot. Build three big fields and a t-ball field with a concession stand in the middle. Kids can ride their bikes, eat swedish fish, get a hotdog and make lasting memories. Let's face it, no houses will be built there. Dog park or ballpark. Grant money is out there.