By Joe Bachman
Editor

STEVENS POINT — Zenoff Park will soon likely have artificial turf installed at the baseball diamond infields.

The total project cost sits at approximately $560,177.36, in which $468,000 of that amount has been pledged by the Stevens Point Softball Association (SPSA) and various funding sources over the next 10 years. In the case of 10-year pledges, donors would pay one-tenth of their total pledge every year for 10 years.

Photo: Contrbuted.

“Synthetic turf will eliminate daily maintenance of the diamonds and allow for more use by the public.” according to the SPSA.

However, the city will have to borrow the money for the rest of the project, and collect the annual pledge revenue used to repay the loan. The Parks Department estimates that this project could save the city up to approximately $5,000 a year in reduced maintenance needs..

The move to turf has been endorsed by the Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County, and the Stevens Point YMCA.

Planning members voted unanimously to pass this measure, though it will still need a final, but likely approval at next week’s common council.