The Junction City Commission has approved an interlocal agreement with Geary County and USD 475 for improvements to Rathert Field. They include a new artificial turf for the infield, foul areas and warning track.
Parks and Recreation Director Ed Lazear explained the project will help alleviate rainout problems. The bid was awarded to Hellas Construction of Austin, Texas for $424,715. City Manager Allen Dinkel explained the project will be paid for via a $200,000 commitment from the county from the transient guest tax that was initially put in place for a sports complex. We have a private donation of $100,000. ” The rest of the cost will be paid for using city funds via a lease-purchase on that to possibly stretch out their funding so other work could possibly be done at Rathert Field like the outfield fence or decking improvements. That will also allow the city to continue with their plan to make budgeted upgrades at some other parks.
(Read more: Junction City Post)