KEARNS, Utah – A once beloved place for baseball has declined over the years, but now plans are in the works to restore the fields.
Bruce Field in Kearns holds fond memories for many members of the community, but these days the fields are filled with weeds, and graffiti has also become an issue. Playgrounds once filled with kids have become hot spots for drug dealers and gangs.
The first step in reconstruction is demolition, and on Wednesday community leaders were present as heavy machinery began tearing down the remnants of the park. The county will then spend an estimated $1 million to build new baseball and soccer fields as well as playgrounds.
Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams said they hope they can bring the community back to the area.
“Were spending a lot of money to fight crime, and what better way to fight crime to put in grass, and bring the community here,” McAdams said.
Bruce Field began its baseball tradition in the 40s as a ball field for a military base, and members of the community said they look forward to seeing it become a place where the community can gather.
The new park is expected to open in 2015. For more information about the renovation project, as well as artist renderings of the new facilities, click here.
