Lady Bruins Field
History
In 2022 Coach Burk and Twin Falls High School were looking forward to hosting the state 4A softball tournament in May of 2023, but the field was far from ready. For many years the Lady Bruins softball team had played on their home field adjacent to the school. It was regulation size but lacked even basic amenities, clearly inferior to the boys’ field right across the street.
Permanent improvements had been discussed but never pursued. School District #411 owned the land but use was shared with Twin Falls Parks and Recreation under a 2002 agreement. There were budget limitations on both sides, and shared responsibilities were not clear.
TFCF Involvement
The Lady Bruin Softball nonprofit association approached the foundation for help in 2022. Private donors and fans of Lady Bruins softball were ready with cash and manpower, but permissions were needed. TFCF facilitated the discussions that brought the parties together in a new agreement with those permissions in September of 2022.
With a 7-month timeline for completion and a $55,000 budget, the parties were energized. The school district agreed to replace the perimeter fencing. City engineers finalized the design and other staff did tractor work. Franklin Building Supply donated materials. Fundraising to pay for the rest began in earnest. .
Lady Bruin Field Today
Thanks to an energetic and creative corps of athletes and their families who mobilized community resources the tournament deadline was met. Both old dugouts were replaced and a scorer/announcer box was added on the home side (pictured above), all designed for better viewing of the field. All new opaque perimeter fencing was added to both varsity and JV specs. The field itself was upgraded for easier maintenance, and the sprinkler lines were redesigned for improved play. A permanent backstop was added.
In addition to the physical amenities the city and the school district have now implemented an improved ongoing cooperative maintenance plan and a procedure for future improvements. TFHS teams and the city summer leagues continue to play on the better, renovated field.
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