‘There’s a way to make it useful and usable;’ City of Dayton looking to revamp Kettering Field
The City of Dayton wants to invest millions of dollars to redo Kettering Field in Downtown Dayton.
>>PHOTOS: Kettering Field Improvements
News Center 7′s Kayla McDermott says the diamonds at Kettering Field are known for softball but soon they could be used for more athletics and bring new people with them to the downtown area.
People enjoyed the nice weather Thursday and said they wished Kettering Field had more to offer.
“There’s a way to make it useful and usable,” said Jennifer Geraghty. “And you know, just get people down there and enjoying it.”
>>Police in 3 area counties investigating pharmacy break-ins ‘highly suspected’ to be connected
McDermott reports the City agrees with that.
Robin Williams, Director of Recreation for the City of Dayton, said the softball fields could be renovated and people could see new basketball courts, bleachers to watch games, an adult fitness playground, sand volleyball and much more at Kettering Field.
“If they’re going to do it, let’s really get it done,” said Geraghty.
McDermott says the the projected cost would be approximately $15 million.
“That’s a big chunk of change,” Geraghty said.
>>Dayton man found guilty of shooting, killing woman in 2021
Jerry Bowling III, President of the McCook Neighborhood Association, says it is a good investment.
“That’s a great investment,” he said. “You know, it would help this place become a destination. We have some restaurants and what not I think it would benefit them.”
Another huge renovation would be getting rid of the dirt fields.
Jeff Martinez plays in a softball league and told McDermott he had to cancel practice Thursday because of the muddy conditions. He hopes the city’s proposal of turf goes through.
“We could practice, play,” he said. “There’s no barriers as far as weather goes. I mean you could definitely play.”
>>Peak allergy season coming soon: How doctors say you can start protecting against them today
McDermott played Division I Softball and said muddy field conditions are not just ideal. She says players sink into the mud and it’s not a good idea.
Columbus and Cincinnati are the only other turf field options currently, according to Martinez.
He says turf is a great idea to host more games, bring in a crow and allow him and his team to play all year.
“It’ll be a great cause for the community, for softball, for fast pitch, for slow pitch,” said Martinez.
>>Funeral services announced for Huber Heights City Schools staff member
McDermott reports it is going to take several years before this park is revamped but Bowling says what he hopes to add to it is a mural on that wall showing the history of aviation this park has.
