The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will hold a public meeting in Milton on Thursday, April 8, to present plans for a new baseball field at Houghton’s Pond in DCR’s Blue Hills Reservation and discuss the work schedule and its impact on public use of the area.
 
The meeting will be Thursday, April 8, 2010, from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m., at Brookwood Farm in the Blue Hills Reservation, 11 Blue Hill River Rd., Canton.
 
Currently, there are two softball fields, one baseball field, and a tennis court at Houghton’s Pond. This project involves replacing the existing baseball field with a new, larger field suitable for both Little League players and adult leagues. The tennis court, which is rarely used and is in disrepair, will be demolished.
 
In the new field, base paths will be adjustable, from 60 to 70 feet, depending on the teams playing, and the distance between home plate and the pitcher’s mound will be adjustable from 46 to 50 feet. The infield will be grass, and a new backstop, players’ benches, and spectator seating will be added. Other improvements will include a new water line and electric service, parking upgrades, drainage improvements, and plantings.
 
"This new ballfield will be a great improvement for hundreds, if not thousands, of young ballplayers for years to come,” said state Senator Brian A. Joyce. “I've been working to improve this recreation area for our boys and girls since my days as a Milton Park Commissioner, and I am pleased to join Governor Patrick and DCR Commissioner Rick Sullivan in moving this project forward."
 
“This new ballfield will be a welcome addition to the playing fields in DCR’s Blue Hills Reservation,” said DCR Commissioner Sullivan. “Drainage will be improved at the fields, as will traffic patterns and seating for both spectators and ballplayers. We thank Sen. Joyce very much for his help and support with this project.”
 
DCR has awarded the $803,410 construction contract for the project to Sequoia Construction Inc. of Whitman. Funding for this project is included in DCR’s current capital budget.
 
The field is expected to open in July 2011.