June 5, 2024 |
Photo – 2021 photo of Woods Field – Bigfoot99 file photo
The Town of Saratoga has finally reached a long-term agreement to use the baseball fields owned by a local family.
Platte Valley Little League held its games on Wood Fields, located at the corner of 3rd Street and Hugus Avenue. The property was owned by George and Nellie Wood, who had an agreement with the town of Saratoga to allow their field to be used for youth baseball.
Following the deaths of George and Nellie Wood, continued use of the baseball fields was put into question. Living members of the Wood family were hesitant to let the town use their property.
An agreement was reached, though. In exchange for playing baseball at the ball field, Platte Valley Little League, the town of Saratoga, and others offered to provide time and money to revitalize the fields. In 2022, the entire field was resurfaced, and a new water line was run to the area. During the May 21st Saratoga town council meeting, Mayor Chuck Davis said after roughly four years, family members have agreed to allow both Little League and American Legion baseball programs to use the property.
Mayor Davis said the Wood family asked for a long-term lease. The mayor said it took nearly 8 months to finalize the contract.
Saratoga resident Richard Hodges said he supports having the kids play baseball at Wood Field. However, Hodges said dangerously distracted motorists speed past the baseball fields. He asked the town to install a 4-way stop sign at the corner of 3rd Street and Hugus Avenue.
Hodges said parking is also an issue when a Little League baseball game is occurring.
Mayor Davis asked Saratoga Police Chief Mike Morris to perform a traffic study in the area.
Summer games are underway already. Platte Valley Little League Board Treasurer Creed James said opening day at was April 22nd.
