Vilonia ballparks still in need of repairs after storm
VILONIA — The day after the April 25 tornado, Greg Lewis, recreation manager for the Vilonia Sport Association, said the city’s ballpark looked like a bomb hit it. Today, some of the debris has been cleared by volunteers, but the damage is still evident, and the area remains off limits.
“When I first saw it, I thought everything would need to be bulldozed and start all over again,” Lewis said. “It’s an old cliché, but it really did look like a bomb hit it. Right now, we are down, but we are not out.”
Field light poles lay on the ground and scoreboards stand damaged. Fences are down and a back stop is bent beyond repair. There is a large hole in the roof of the concession stand and shingles are missing. Canopies are also missing, and there are dugouts with tin hanging.
“There are so many people who care about this little park, we have to get it back up and going,” he said.
He also referred to the 600 or so children who participate in the youth sports played there both in the spring and fall programs sponsored by the VSA.
Fundraisers are in the works to repair it, Lewis said, allowing the 36 or so youth teams, who have been misplaced and playing outside of the city, to return to home play by next season.
Fundraising efforts to rebuild are kicking off this week and will run through Aug. 5, Lewis said. He is asking anyone who can help to give money, materials or labor. Anyone interested in donating monetarily may visit the website www.buildaballpark.com and donate by using a credit card or PayPal. To donate materials or labor, contact Lewis at 501-472-4378.
The total cost of replacement is unknown; however, Lewis estimated it will take about $60,000 to replace the six field light poles and fixtures. He also estimated new netting for the commons area will cost about $3,000, and new bases will cost about $1,000. And, Lewis said, that’s just a few of the things that need to be repaired or replaced.
“The list just goes on and on of what we need before we can re-open,” Lewis added. “We will just appreciate any help and every dime will be used for this park and nothing else.”
A list of materials is also available on the website. On that list are bathroom doors, awnings, fence wind screens, chain link fencing, soccer goals and roofing supplies as well as plywood and tar paper.
Mayor James Firestone said the park was insured for $50,000 with a $5,000 deductible.
“We have received that payment and the money is in our account,” he added.
The city had spent about $45,000 in updates at the park this year prior to the tornado. The city, he said, will begin working on the park soon. They will continue, he said, until the money runs out.
While the city has applied to FEMA for help, Firestone said, he is doubtful there will be any funding available toward restoring the park. Donations made to the Vilonia Relief Fund are to be placed in a city account and designated to go to the repair of the ball park. Donations can also be dropped off at the city hall, Lewis said.
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Add commentVilonia Sports Association fundraising blitz sponsors
This event is being spearheaded by 103.7 The Buzz, in conjunction with KATV Channel 7 and Flex360.com, Lewis said.