Following Village Board approval on Monday, May 12, Pleasant Prairie will proceed with Phase One of the Ball Field Improvement Project at Prairie Springs Park. This project intends to upgrade the youth baseball and softball fields to enhance playability. Village Board Members previously approved the project contingent on $500,000 in community contributions toward each phase. To date, nearly $115,000 has been pledged by community organizations, local businesses, and residents. With almost a quarter of the initial funds secured, Phase One will move into construction planning. Work is anticipated to begin in Fall 2025.
Phase One will focus on the four fields located on the north end of Prairie Springs Park. Planned improvements include:
- Installation of artificial turf infields
- Replacement of fencing around fields
- Upgraded dugouts to improve team accommodations
These improvements will reduce weather-related cancellations, extend the playing season, and support hosting tournaments. Phase Two plans to enhance the two additional fields on the park’s south end and is expected to be evaluated within the next five years.
Each phase of the Ball Field Improvement Project is projected to cost $2.5 million. No taxpayer funding will be used for these projects. Each phase will proceed with $500,000 in private contributions, with remaining costs covered by a loan repaid through field rental revenue, sports programming, private donations, and corporate sponsorships. The Village is collaborating with Friends of Pleasant Prairie Parks, a local nonprofit organization, to assist with fundraising and outreach efforts.
“This investment aligns with our long-term goals of enhancing community assets while being financially responsible,” said Eric Rindfleisch, Village Administrator. “By requiring early community support and building a funding model based on partnerships and revenue, the project delivers both value and impact without relying on taxpayer dollars.”
Upgraded fields are expected to benefit over 650 youth program participants and more than 10,000 athletes who compete in local and regional events annually. The improvements will increase the number of sports tournaments hosted at the park and support the more than 1.6 million annual visitors.
“Youth sports foster teamwork, discipline, and community pride,” explained Brett Christopher, Village Director of Recreation Programming. “Improving the fields will provide high-quality spaces where young athletes can enhance their skills and compete. The Ball Field Improvement Project is designed to create a destination that supports youth, attracts tournament play, and contributes to the local economy through tourism. Support from local organizations and families has been essential to advancing this effort.”
Donations are being accepted from individuals, businesses, and organizations. Recent contributors include Chick-fil-A, Epique Realty, Kenosha Property Maintenance, Riley Construction, the Sigman family, Triangle Furniture and Appliance Center, and anonymous ballpark supporters. Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels, including naming rights for fields, dugouts, fencing, banners, and other site elements. These options offer long-term visibility to park visitors and passersby near Lake Andrea.
To contribute or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit
RecPlexOnline.com/BallFieldProject.