Washington Ballpark in Detroit Lakes is about to trade its worn-in charm for a full-on facelift, as the city kicks off a major renovation with a ceremonial groundbreaking at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24. Organizers say the work is designed to modernize the aging 1948 grandstand and surrounding facilities while still protecting the historic feel that has made the stadium a local landmark.
Groundbreaking, Fundraising And Schedule
Project leaders describe the effort as a roughly $4 million renovation, and volunteer fundraisers say they are close to that mark but still need about $640,000 to complete both phases. Construction timelines are driving the pace, with organizers saying phase one can start right away and field work will follow. With crews expected on site this spring, supporters say there will be no baseball at Washington Park this summer and possibly for two full seasons while the work is finished, as reported by the Detroit Lakes Tribune.
Scope Of The Rebuild And Historic Protections
An official advertisement for bids filed by the city lists the park’s address as 1301 Washington Ave and confirms the stadium’s status on the National Register of Historic Places (NPS #08000466. The same bid package spells out the phase-one work: restoration of the steel grandstand, new spectator netting, new dugouts, and a concession pavilion. Those upgrades are part of a broader plan to bring the ballpark in line with modern standards, including ADA accessibility, as detailed in the advertisement for bids on file with the City of Detroit Lakes.
Where Teams Will Play During Construction
Detroit Lakes youth baseball leaders say teams will shift their home games to Detroit Lakes High School as the primary field, with the middle school serving as a backup site while Washington Park is shut down. Organizers add that they have coordinated field upgrades and scheduling with the schools and other local partners. Speakers expected at the Feb. 24 ceremony include lead fundraiser Terry Eiter, DLYBA president Josh Hochgraber, City Administrator Kelcey Klemm and other local officials, according to the Detroit Lakes Tribune.
Legacy Hall, Public Outreach And Giving
The renovation plans include a new “Legacy Hall” mini museum that will showcase town ball memorabilia, along with upgraded restrooms, ADA seating, improved lighting and revamped concessions. An earlier project brochure pegged the projected cost near $3.3 million, while fundraising and campaign numbers have shifted as donations have come in. That city brochure also outlines donor levels, how contributors will be recognized in Legacy Hall, and contact information for residents who want to make pledges or ask questions, as noted in project materials published by the City of Detroit Lakes.
