SJ Baseball fields: an update on the long-awaited renovation

If you were to ask any St. Joe High School baseball players about the condition of our fields, they would attest to the poor reality of the facilities. Our district has been updating facilities over the last few years, though, such as the new Edward J. Todd Innovation Center, the repaved track, and new football/soccer field. 

Naturally, many wondered when baseball and softball was going to get their turn. The answer is slightly more complicated than expected. 

photo by rhys conybeare

At the time of the interview with Mrs. Jenny Fee, SJPS Superintendent, the donor for the project wished to remain anonymous, but they have put forward one million dollars to be used when SJPS is ready to pull the trigger.  

The complexity arises from the ownership of the fields. While they are located adjacent to our high school—leading many to think they are owned by our school district—they are actually owned by the City of St. Joe. Due to this, the district has to lease the fields from the city in order to use them as we do. The two share maintenance and expense costs, since the fields are technically a public park. 

Due to city laws, and what Mrs. Fee referred to as “many legal and governmental considerations that must be navigated”, there is a complex process in order to complete the needed renovations. 

Because of certain local, state, and federal grants that have been provided to do work on this park, and others throughout The City of St. Joe, SJPS does not have the option of purchasing the fields. Since we cannot renovate without full ownership, our district is working closely with the city to try and accomplish the plans. 

According to Mrs. Fee, the city has a master plan for the park, which will include upgraded playing surfaces, renovations to sidewalks and parking areas, and the addition of bathrooms and a playground. 

Many thought that this project was supposed to be completed prior to the 2022 baseball season, though it has evidently not been started yet. 

“We have done some pre-work with the City and with a lawn care company that specializes in playing surfaces. Unfortunately, the legal and governmental considerations have delayed our timeline a bit. The goal now is to have the fields ready for the 2023 season. The City’s component, specifically the bathrooms, may not be completed until a year or two after that time,” Mrs. Fee said about the delay. 

Renovations are supposed to begin during the 2022 calendar year, and, as Mrs. Fee said, will hopefully be completed before next year’s season. 

This project will also help improve SJHS’ baseball program. As our rival, Lakeshore, has a consistently top tier baseball team, these renovations will hopefully bridge the gap between the two programs. 

“Upgraded facilities and a playing surface free of dips, divots, and bumps, will create a safe environment in which our teams can perform without hesitation or danger,” Mrs. Fee added. “A premiere playing facility can [also] provide an environment in which student athletes feel valued and supported.  That in itself can improve team culture and success. This project has the potential to ‘level the playing field’ between the two programs and enable them to compete on the quality of skill and not on the quality of the team’s facilities.”