Community works together for rec. field upgrades

The Baseball and Softball complex at Pike County Parks and Recreation is getting an upgrade and local community members are the ones putting in the hard work.

According to Pike County Parks and Recreation board member Chris Childress, Wayne Epperson Jr. of Pike Pools has spent many days at the park over the last few weeks pouring concrete pads for the baseball and softball cages as well as increasing the dugout size for the 14U middle school field.
“Wayne has donated more than 30 yards of concrete and all of his crew’s time. What a blessing for our community,” said Childress. “Many thanks to Wayne, Graham Tatum and Chad Proctor (Southside Steel) for showing love to their community.”

The dugouts on Field 5 are being enlarged to accommodate middle school ball. Southside Steel stepped up to the plate and is donating steel dugout framing and roofing so the dugouts on Field 5 can be enlarged to accommodate middle school baseball. The Pike County Middle School team was established in 2022 and they practice and play at the recreation department since the school does not have a baseball field.

“Many thanks to Graham Tatum for donating his time doing the necessary grading for the concrete pads. I believe he has spread more than 15 dump truck loads of dirt,” said Childress. “There is no way projects at the Park are done absent community generosity. The park is still in need to finish the Field 5 and cage upgrades.”

The PCPRA needs wheatstraw and seed (or four pallets of sod) to be placed around the cages. The concrete pads are being turfed so baseballs and softballs are not ruined in the cage. The ground cover prevents mud from getting on the turf.

“Monetary and/or material donations are more than welcome. Donations would be used for 50+ yards of concrete, turf, dugout benches/bins, bullpen/dugout fencing, lumber for bullpen mounds, pitching rubbers, homeplates, cage guidewires and a commercial edger for field prep,” said Childress.

To help, contact the PCPRA at 770-567-2027.