Members of the Kewaskum Athletic Association gathered today at Kiwanis Park, for an official groundbreaking ceremony for the new diamond that is being built. We are very excited to be getting started on this much-needed addition to the park.

Photo by Kewaskum Statesman

In the summer of 2011, 18 youth baseball and softball teams shared Kiwanis Park (11 hardball and 7 girls fastpitch softball teams). Those numbers do not include the Thursday night men’s softball league, or the many rubberball and t-ball teams.

In response to the need for another diamond, KAA members drew up plans for a diamond that will be identical to the existing lighted diamond. These plans were shared with people who live adjacent to Kiwanis Park, and received strong support. KAA then presented the plans to the village board, which approved the plans, and allotted Impact Fees collected from new home construction over a period of years, to cover the cost of the diamond. These impact fees were designed to pay for new recreational facilities in the village, based on population growth.  NO taxpayer dollars will be used to create the new field.

The new diamond will be located immediately to the east of the current lighted diamond. The third base line of the new field will run parallel to the third base line of the existing lighted diamond.  Batters at the new diamond will be facing northeast towards the pitcher and center field.  Spectators will be close to the existing concession stand. The outfield will also be available for use by soccer and flag football teams during the fall.

Work on the new field will continue in 2012, with the field expected to be ready for play in 2013. Thanks to everyone who has worked hard to envision, design, and build this new ball diamond! Yay!