Royston Receives Baseball Field Grant

After months of waiting, the city of Royston will soon have some extra funding from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund to help with the continued renovations at the Youth Baseball fields.

City manager Gregg Scott has announced Royston has been awarded a grant in the amount of $43,156.

“The main goal of the Baseball Tomorrow Fund is to increase youth participation in the games of baseball and softball throughout our country and the world” said Cathy Bradley, Executive Director of the Baseball Tomorrow Fund. “It is our hope that this revitalization project, and the new fencing, will bring the games back to Royston and inspire the next generation of players and fans for years to come.”

The Joe T. Cunningham ball fields are located near the old Boaz Textile manufacturing plant off Highway 17.

Scott said the grant will go towards building new state-of-the art fencing around the two fields.

Royston Police Chief Donnie Boleman said recently that after two years hard work, the ball fields are taking shape.

“The progress is really good so far,” said Royston Police Chief Donnie Boleman, who is overseeing the renovations. “Our construction time has been postponed by the recent weather, but so far we’re still on time. “

Boleman said the remodeling of the concession stand is just about 95% complete.

 “We’ve just got some touch up painting to do. The bathrooms have been upgraded and are now handicapped accessible,” he said.  “As far as the dugouts, they’ve all been remodeled with the help of volunteer labor and a lot of time. So, we’re excited to be able to use the fields once again.”

In late 2011, the Franklin County Little League donated their ball fields to Royston on the condition the city renovate them and make them useable again.

In February, Scott said he, Chief Boleman and the Franklin County Recreation committee met with a representative from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund and explained their goals.

In addition to the grant, the City is using SPLOST monies, donations, and fund raising to  get the park up and running.

“The citizens and elected officials of Royston are excited to be able to offer a place for youth baseball to be played in Royston again.  Through partnerships with many private donors and Franklin County this project is planned to be completed in time for baseball to be played on the fields in 2014.”  Said Royston City Councilman Matt Fields.

The City of Royston is still accepting in-kind and monetary contributions for completion of the fields. Those interested in donating to the project may contact Greg Scott at 706-245-7232.