Photo courtesy of the City of Hutchinson’s Facebook page
The City of Hutchinson began ground construction this week on Hobart Detter field today in an effort to boost the use of the field by installing a new turf surface and reducing flooding issues. Several teams use the field, including the Hutchinson Monarchs, Hutchinson Community College, and USD 308.
According to a press release, Josh Gooch, HCC Athletic Director, shares his enthusiasm: “This new turf baseball field will be a source of pride for all who play here – the Hutchinson Blue Dragons, Hutchinson Salthawks, Hutchinson Monarchs, and countless recreational leagues. Blue Dragon Athletics looks forward to continuing a great partnership with the City of Hutchinson.”
City of Hutchinson Mayor Greg Fast said this project will help with drainage issues and bring back national tournaments. He said that Mark Blackim, owner of the Hutchinson Monarchs, has been pushing for this for about two years. Fast said that it should boost the local economy because fields were flooded, and now they will be open more days of the year.
Fast said, “There is a long history of Hutch CC people who played on this field. Hutch CC paid for half of the new turf project and the city bonded the other half. The city figured out ways to bond it. Taxes will not go up because of this. We’ve held the mill levy stable for 2025.”
Fast said that it will be exciting to use the field soon after it rains. “That is the goal with having turf on the field. Sometimes the field would be down for a couple of days after it rained. Now the game can go on.”
For more information about this project, contact Justin Combs, Hutchinson Parks and Facilities Director, https://www.hutchgov.com/159/Parks-Facilities-Staff