The City of Lowell Board of Parks voted to request a staff estimate of what it would cost to restore a converted softball field to its prior Little League baseball configuration after residents and board members said the change was made without the board’s approval.

Residents said the field on West Meadow Road—historically used and dedicated as a Little League baseball facility—was altered by city employees and others to a softball layout despite earlier discussions that no impact should be made to that site. One resident said, “They were never contacted again,” and described multi‑generation use of the baseball field by local families.

Why it matters: the conversion prompted heated public comment and raised procedural questions about who authorizes changes to park facilities. Several board members said they were not notified and called the action “egregious,” saying the department or staff member responsible should be held accountable.

Board context: multiple board members and at least one councilor raised the matter during the meeting, referencing a 2023 discussion involving council members and noting that the parks board traditionally reviews and approves changes to the use or configuration of park facilities before work proceeds. Councilor Eric Gitcheid, referenced in the discussion of the earlier council meeting, had asked during a city council session who must be notified when a parks decision is made; the parks board said that notification did not occur in this case.

Board action: after public comment and internal discussion, a board member moved “that we put a request in what it would cost to resaw that field and make it back into a lehi [Little League] field.” The motion was seconded and carried. The board directed staff to return with a cost estimate rather than immediately ordering reconstruction, noting concern for current users and the need to balance neighborhood use and ongoing programs.

What wasn’t decided: the board did not order immediate restoration, and it did not assign a funding source. Board members repeatedly said they want what is best for neighborhood youth programs and do not intend to remove night‑time play options for girls’ softball. They emphasized the decision should be made “professionally” and with proper notification and approval steps.

Next steps: staff was asked to prepare an estimate of the cost to restore the field to a baseball configuration and to report back; the board did not set a timetable in the meeting minutes for when that estimate must be provided.