By allie thomasson

Ellsworth County I-R

Over the winter, the Ellsworth baseball and softball fields received an overhaul, thanks to the dedication of community members.

“We switched out the old tagline dirt to redshell,” Ellsworth Recreation Director Ronnie Tenbrink said. “Basically, the redshell is more durable, it plays better and it’s safer material than the tagline.”

Tenbrink said the dirt has been a topic of conversation over the years, but recently, the project came together after he visited with local parents and began reaching out to businesses and individuals. He applied for grants from foundations such as the the Smoky Hills Charitable Foundation and theDane G. Hansen Foundation.

The renovations began in February and took a few months due to weather delays. The process was funded by the city of Ellsworth, private donors, local businesses, grants and charities.

“I had no idea I would raise the money I did and would make it happen,” Tenbrink said. “That’s what makes living in a small community extraordinary — people will get behind a worthwhile project if you tell them the benefits of it.”

In all, the infields cost about $24,000.

The civil engineering firm Kirkham Michael also contributed to the project. Senior Vice President Jon Halbgewachs said he hopes the donation will improve the baseball experience for the youth of Ellsworth and attract other teams from surrounding communities. “One of Kirkham Michael’s pillars is to take care of our clients and communities where we have offices,” he said. “Many of our employees’ children have played on these fields and understand the benefit of a good surface.”

The ball fields on the southwest edge of town host everything from youth summer ball, with athletes as young as 10, all the way up to local adult softball leagues. During the spring, Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School baseball and softball teams use the fields to compete.

“The upgrades to the complex were great, and they just keep getting better with the dedication of our athletic director and recreation department leader (Ron Davis Jr. and Tenbrink, respectively),” EJSHS Head Softball Coach Kenny Cravens said.

According to Cravens, not only does the ball play more consistently, but the field will also improve as moisture builds and solidifies the base layer.

“The girls enjoyed playing at home and the fan support was incredible,” he said. “I am looking forward to great things moving forward.”

The project was necessary because of the athletic traffic on the field. The constant wear-andtear took a toll.

“It’s always a good things to make improvements, the grounds easier to play on,” said James Mayes, who coachces a 10-12 boys team. “You get a better sports experience. It’s a better catalyst for learning the game and improving skills.”

Tenbrink estimates that in eight to 10 years, they will have to bring in more dirt to replace what is lost through wind and other factors. Besides that, the new redshell dirt is projected to hold up well and create safer competition for all players.

To complement the new infields, another project is slated to begin in July — irrigating the two outfields.

“The irrigation will hopefully take a couple months by the time they get equipment in and oversee everything,” Tenbrink said.

He said it will be funded mostly through a grant from the Dane G.

Hansen Foundation.

Both renovations will have a positive impact on Ellsworth’s recreation, but it took support from the community to make it happen.

“It was really nice how the community came together,” Tenbrink said. “I didn’t know what to expect when I first started this, but a lot of people jumped on board and liked the idea.”

“That’s what makes living in a small community extraordinary — people will get behind a worthwhile project if you tell them the benefits of it.”

Ronnie Tenbrink Ellsworth Recreation Director