Palm Bay, FL - The City of Palm Bay's Parks & Facilities Department has announced an exciting development for local sports enthusiasts and park-goers: the ballfields at Liberty Park, located at 895 Carlyle Ave SE, will temporarily close beginning Friday, May 30, 2025. This closure will facilitate a major renovation project aimed at significantly upgrading the facilities.
This significant project is being funded through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs, underscoring the City's ongoing commitment to enhancing public recreational spaces. Public notices provide further detail, showing a combined total of $404,456 in CDBG funds allocated for these improvements. This includes $134,190 for "Liberty Park Improvements Phase I" (previously advertised) and a significant $270,266 for the current "Liberty Park Improvements Phase II." Interestingly, the Phase II funding was reallocated from a cancelled sidewalk project on San Filippo Blvd, a change made necessary by new census data affecting CDBG eligibility for that original project.
What's Being Renovated at the Ballfields? ⚾
Palm Bay residents can look forward to a completely refreshed ballfield experience once the current phase of renovations is complete. The planned upgrades, aligning with the CDBG project scope, include:
Installation of all-new fencing and backstops.
New infield clay and new clay warning tracks in the outfields.
New sunshade covers over the bleachers, ensuring greater comfort for spectators.
A complete overhaul of the ballfield complex restrooms. This includes new tile flooring and walls, updated amenities, new stall partitions, and the replacement of exterior doors and locks.
Installation of new concrete sidewalks to improve accessibility.
These enhancements are designed to significantly boost the safety, usability, and overall appearance of Liberty Park's athletic facilities. Such park improvements are recognized for delivering a multitude of community benefits, including:
Positively impacting community health.
Enhancing environmental well-being.
Boosting local economic vitality.
Strengthening social cohesion and enriching the quality of life for residents.
Further Upgrades Proposed: Dugouts & More 🥎
Looking ahead, the City is also seeking an additional $156,000 in CDBG funding for "Liberty Park Dugouts" as part of the preliminary recommendations for the FY 2025-2026 Action Plan. This proposed project, ranked with a priority level of #3, would involve removing and replacing all 8 dugouts at the softball fields. It's described as "shovel ready" with an estimated completion time of 90 days from groundbreaking, indicating more good things to come for the ballfields.
More Park Improvements on the Horizon 🌳
The good news doesn't stop with the ballfields and dugouts! The City has also outlined further improvements for other areas of Liberty Park that will commence after the current ballfield renovations are finished. These include:
Renovation of the playground restrooms to match the high standards of the updated ballfield facilities.
Installation of new LED lighting at the basketball courts, a new initiative distinct from the refurbishment of the court surface and goals that started in March 2023.
Repairs to various park sidewalks to improve accessibility and safety throughout the park.
City Appreciates Community Patience
The City of Palm Bay Parks & Facilities Department acknowledges that the temporary closure may cause some inconvenience. However, they emphasize that these upgrades are vital for ensuring Liberty Park remains a top-tier recreational destination for residents and visitors for many years to come. Your patience and cooperation during this period are greatly appreciated. While a specific reopening date for this phase has not yet been announced, similar park projects can often be completed in around 90 days once all permits are secured and work commences.
Stay Updated & Plan Ahead 🗓️
For any questions or to get more information regarding the Liberty Park ballfield renovations and the temporary closure, residents are encouraged to contact the Palm Bay Parks & Facilities Department directly at (321) 726-2777.
The City is expected to provide updates on the project's progress, and The Palm Bayer will continue to follow this story and inform readers about reopening dates as soon as they are announced.
Curated by AI and fact-checked by The Palm Bayer.
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