Home advantage: Renovations at city’s softball fields boost players’ safety

The wait is over for Bravo Field to be renovated, with new spacious dugouts and a revamped infield playing surface being added to the softball field courtesy of Boulder City Parks and Recreation Department.

“The renovations taking place now have actual been in the works for the past six or seven years,” said Boulder City Public Works Director Scott Hansen, who coordinated the project. “We’re very excited that we were able to find the funding and finally getting this project underway after improving the baseball field last year.”

Replacing the old softball dugouts on the home and visitors side that use to stick out onto the field of play, Hansen said the new and improved dugouts will not only offer players and coaches more space, but also offer a safer alternative moving forward for softball participants.

“With the way the old dugouts were set up, it was like you were sitting right on the field,” Hansen said. “Players going for foul balls were at risk of colliding with the surface, while also putting players who were sitting in the dugouts at risk as well. With the newly renovated structure, we have eliminated this issue and look forward to safer game play.”

Along with wider dugouts, the city will also add a new dirt mix to the infield, giving it a smoother surface to play on come spring.

Taking notice of both her new dugouts and infield, Boulder City High School varsity softball coach Angelica Moorhead was pleased with the renovation and encouraged after leading the Lady Eagles’ to a 3A state championship runner-up finish last season.

“We are very fortunate to be able to play at such a beautiful park,” Moorhead said. “While our team has nothing to do with the improvements, we are certainly grateful to the city for redoing them.”

Sharing her coach’s enthusiasm, junior infielder Lily Osman elaborated on why the newly renovated dugouts are a big deal to her and her teammates.

“I am very excited for the new dugouts,” Osman said. “It’ll be nice because everyone will be able to have their own space and it will be more organized. Having new, nice big dugouts I think will boost the team’s confidence. The old dugouts weren’t terrible but you were up close and personal with everyone, and in the summer, that could be challenging. No one wants to be by you when it’s 110 outside and you’re sweaty and gross. I’m very thankful to the city for the adjustment.”

While renovations will certainly boost the morale of the Lady Eagles’ softball program, which is looking to continue its dominance in the 3A classification, the city project will also benefit the recreation department’s youth leagues, making it a year-round gain.

“I love the idea that improvements are being made to one of our already beautiful facilities,” Boulder City Sports Coordinator Kelly Lehr said. “As a former Boulder City High School softball coach, the high school will benefit from shaded and protected dugouts, as this is their primary field. Our recreation softball and baseball program will also benefit greatly from this space during some of the windiest and hottest months of the year.”

While the renovations will improve game play and player enjoyment, Lehr stated that the currently ongoing improvements will also make Bravo Field more attractive to youth entities looking to occupy the space.

“The improvements the city has made will make Bravo Field more marketable for youth entities wishing to rent the field,” Lehr said. “I’m thrilled that the city of Boulder City continues to beautify our parks and fields year-round. It’s a great reflection on the parks and recreation department and clean green Boulder City.”

Contact Robert Vendettoli at BCRsports@gmail.com.