Jim Fair
A copper baseball pitcher weather vane is atop the cupola on the new press box.
Jim Fair
The press box and concession stand provide a contemporary look to Century Park.
Jim Fair
A covered picnic area, that will also be for rent, includes the first handicapped restrooms in 26 years at Century Park.
Jim Fair
The press box/concession stand will make it attractive for more tournaments to be held at Century Park.
The new press box and concession stand were closed, with small details to be completed, but the picnic area and newly poured concrete walkways and patio connecting the three fields were in use.
During the fall season some esthetics, additional parking and playing field improvements including directing storm water away from the playing fields will be finished.
A copper baseball pitcher weather vane sits atop a cupola on the roof of the press box.
The grand opening is scheduled on opening day of the 2017 spring youth baseball and softball season.
Red Watson, Assistant Director for Parks and Recreation, virtually visited the park throughout its construction. “I have the opportunity as someone who has come through this program when it had two fields, then Kids Planet and now disc golf to see this,” Watson said. Watson also played and coached at the park.
“I have seen that park develop that deserves facilities like this,” Watson said.
The press box has windows on all four sides that provide clear viewing to all three fields and distant playgrounds. “When we added the third field we didn’t have the viewing angle to field number three,” Watson said.
The addition of the picnic area with ADA (American Disabilities Act) restrooms is a welcome addition for visitors at the park after 26 years. Despite the ADA signed into law since 1990, the city was reluctant to provide restrooms for the disabled.
The picnic area will offer tables but keep the pathway to the restrooms for the disabled to maneuver.
Watson said the picnic area will be for rent for tournaments, family activities and events. “We think with the new concessions and picnic area we will be able to attract bigger tournaments to Century Park,” Watson said.
A $400,000 Land and Water Conservation grant, including a $200,000 city match, recommended for the youth league complex by the South Carolina Department of Parks Recreation and Tourism was approved by the National Park Service in September 2015. The city kicked in additional funds through hospitality funds and budgeting.