City advances baseball field plan

By Charles Baynum//

The Frederick City Council on Oct. 23 signaled support for Hood College’s plan to build a new NCAA Division III baseball field at Westside Regional Park.

Under a nonbinding letter of intent, Hood College would finance and complete construction of the field and then lease the facility for 50 years for $1 per year.

The city’s parks and recreation department would manage scheduling and ensure the facility is accessible to the community. The council voted unanimously to move forward with the project, which will be finalized by a lease agreement that will be presented at a later meeting.

“The terms that are listed in the memorandum of understanding are probably the most favorable I’ve ever seen for the city,” City Council President Katie Nash said.

The 5-acre field would be situated on the south side of Contender Way, across from two multipurpose fields that are expected to be constructed in the coming months.

Plans call for a natural grass surface, fencing, irrigation, scoreboard, bullpens, dugouts, batting cages, foul and flag poles and storage facilities. Future upgrades could include artificial turf, lighting, locker rooms, concession areas, bathrooms, bleacher seating and a press box.

Hood College Vice President of Finance Rob Klinedinst told the council the project’s first phase is expected to cost an estimated $3 million. The college hopes to begin construction in spring 2026, with the field ready for play in time for the 2027 season.

Hood’s agreement to play home games at Frederick Community College expired after the 2025 season. The Blazers, who began their baseball program in 2015, do not yet have a home field for the 2026 season.

“We’ve been trying to identify space, and thankfully, now, working in partnership with the city, we think we have a terrific proposal in place for a public-private partnership under a shared-use agreement,” Hood College President Debbie Ricker said.

Nash, Council Vice President Derek Shackelford and Council Member Kelly Russell praised the proposal. Council Member Donna Kuzemchak expressed cautious support, emphasizing the need for meaningful community access.

“If we can work it out in a way that community members actually get access to the fields in a meaningful manner, I’m 100% behind you,” Kuzemchak said.

District 3 City Council candidate Peter Brehm, whose district includes Hood College, spoke in favor of the project. District 2 candidate César Díaz, whose district covers Westside Regional Park, urged the city to maintain clear communication with nearby residents during construction.

“Talking to people in that part of town, there’s a lot of confusion as to when things are happening, and I think a lot more work can be done to keep people involved,” Díaz said.

The new baseball field would be part of a larger expansion at Westside Regional Park. The City Council has approved $860,000 for three new athletic fields, two multipurpose fields, and a youth baseball diamond, with work expected to begin by late winter. 

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