By Charles Baynum\/\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Frederick City Council on Oct. 23 signaled support for Hood College\u2019s plan to build a new NCAA Division III baseball field at Westside Regional Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The city\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe terms that are listed in the memorandum of understanding are probably the most favorable I\u2019ve ever seen for the city,\u201d City Council President Katie Nash said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hood College Vice President of Finance Rob Klinedinst told the council the project\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hood\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve 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,\u201d Hood College President Debbie Ricker said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf we can work it out in a way that community members actually get access to the fields in a meaningful manner, I\u2019m 100% behind you,\u201d Kuzemchak said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
District 3 City Council candidate Peter Brehm, whose district includes Hood College, spoke in favor of the project. District 2 candidate C\u00e9sar D\u00edaz, whose district covers Westside Regional Park, urged the city to maintain clear communication with nearby residents during construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTalking to people in that part of town, there\u2019s a lot of confusion as to when things are happening, and I think a lot more work can be done to keep people involved,\u201d D\u00edaz said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
##<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"