GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A ribbon-cutting Tuesday morning celebrated the completion of a $5.1 million renovation project at Grand Rapids Public Schools’ Houseman Field.
“For generations, Houseman Field has been more than just a stadium. It has been a gathering place and a landmark for the city of Grand Rapids and it’s a symbol of our pride,” Superintendent Leadriane Roby said.
Work begins on $300K Houseman Field playground
The upgrades to the field between Houseman and Diamond avenues north of Fountain Street NE, included new turf, a new track, more parking, new lighting, locker room improvements, restoration of the masonry and a new roof for the press box.
“I’m very thrilled to share that the renovation of this historic Houseman Field site was completed on time and within budget,” GRPS Executive Director of Facilities and Operations Alex Smart said to applause from the group gathered for the ribbon-cutting. “The turf … is the first time that we were able to honor the family, the Houseman family, by putting the name at both end zones. It also gave us the opportunity to honor the Ottawa (Hills) High School team and the Union High School team by having their logos, also, in the end zone.”
Smart said the new lights will limit light pollution, making for a more pleasant environment for neighbors…