A proposal to add a spectator seating and a new concessions and restroom building to the Galesburg High School baseball/softball complex takes the ongoing artificial turf improvements one step further to modernize the facilities.
The District 205 Board of Education on Monday will consider seeking architectural plans for a new facility between Jim Sundberg Field and the softball field for concessions, ticketing, storage, and restrooms, plus new bleachers at the baseball field.
Superintendent John Asplund tells WGIL the proposed $1.5 million project, funded by the district’s 1-cent facilities sales tax, addresses aging infrastructure.
“Bleachers and restrooms at the baseball diamond are not in good shape,” Asplund said. “As we started to look at this venue with it soon to have turf, and starting to host more tournaments and maybe partnering with different groups to have more things out there, we thought we need to really strongly consider improving the bleachers and restrooms.”
Legat Architects’ proposal outlines a design-bid-build process, with a 3-4 month design phase post-approval, bidding in fall 2025, and construction set for summer 2026.
“So, we’ll start the investigation phase of that, and talk to our architects about putting together plans,” Asplund said. “We’re wanting to see what our options are right now.”
Asplund said Legat Architects will assess costs and prioritize upgrades to align with the budget.
“With planned improvements that will lead to better playing opportunities for our student-athletes, these upgrades will also make our fan experience even better,” said District 205 Director of Athletics Nick Young.
“It would provide us a venue to accommodate postseason events for Softball/Baseball and other events with our partnering groups that would be unparalleled in many places throughout the state.”
Crews already have removed fencing around Sundberg Field and the softball diamond, and will prep both fields before installing turf later this summer.
The upgrades complement District 205’s ongoing projects, including artificial turf installation at both fields, expected to conclude by fall 2025, a new warehouse for operational storage, and an addition to Wicall Gym to expand athletic and community event space, all funded by the sales tax.