Youth fields get upgrade
State Sena. Arthur Orr, right, presents Hartselle Mayor Dwight Tankersley a $6,000 Community Service Grant check for use in making upgrades to the city’s youth baseball fields. | Clif Knight
Drainage, walkways and fencing at Hartselle’s Dixie Youth baseball fields are being upgraded in preparation for a state tournament next month thanks to a $6,000 Community Service grant, which was obtained through the efforts of State Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur.
Orr presented Hartselle Mayor Dwight Tankersley with the grant check on Friday and construction work began earlier this week. One of the upgrades involves the installation of a 20 by100 ft. concrete walkway. Parks & Recreation Department personnel will do most of the work.
“I got involved after I learned of the city’s plans to host its first 7-8 Dixie Baseball Tournament,” Orr said. “Some improvements to the facilities were needed and I was glad to help. This is going to be a rare opportunity for the city to showcase its excellent recreational facilities in addition to giving the local economy a boost.”
“I’m very thankful for everything Senator Orr does for our city and county,” said Mayor Tankersley. “Everywhere I go I hear people compliment him for the level of service he is providing the people of his district as well as the state as a whole. This is another example of the good job he’s doing.”
The 7-8 tournament will be conducted on three of Hartselle youth baseball fields (7-8, 9-10 and 11-12) beginning July 15 and continuing for at least six days.
“This is a huge event for us,” said Ashley Balch, Hartselle Dixie Youth Baseball commissioner. “We’ll be hosting 16 all-star teams, their coaches, parents and fans. This is four more teams than the number that participated in the tournament last year. Most of them will be here for at least three days and some for as long as six days. Plus, we’re assured of having a host team in the competition and we could have two other all-star teams if they emerge as district winners.”
Hartselle’s American and National all-stars are competing against teams from Decatur, Athens and Morgan County in district tournaments this week.
