Kiwanis Hobart Park getting ballfield upgrades as part of $4.3 million facelift

• Kiwanis Hobart Park will undergo a $4.3 million improvement project.
• A regulation college baseball field will be built along with improvements to the existing fields.
• Work is slated to begin over the summer.

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Kiwanis Hobart Park ballfields will be getting a $4.3 million facelift, slated to start over the summer.

Centerpiece of the project will be a regulation-sized college baseball field, complete with a scoreboard and state-of-the-art LED lighting.

Other improvements to the 58-year-old park, at 77th Street and 58th Avenue, include a new hybrid baseball-softball field, irrigation improvements, new restrooms, concession stands, asphalt parking lot and connection to the county sewer system.

Park renovation is being paid with county capital-improvements funds. Originally budgeted for $5.7 million, current cost is expected to be nearly 24% less than first estimated.

“We are pleased to be able to invest in the county’s recreation amenities,” said County Commissioner Susan Adams. “The expansion and upgrades will allow us to serve more of our youth baseball and softball participants with regulation fields, which meet the needs of the community.”

Other areas of the park include the county fairgrounds, park playgrounds, a fishing lake, disc-golf course and the county parks maintenance office.

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Unforeseen delays

The nearly-600-acre park has two ballfields. Plans to renovate the fields began in 2018, but were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, high costs and lack of qualified bidders, according to the county.

Proctor Construction Co. will do the work.

“Kiwanis Hobart Park is set to undergo significant improvements, transforming it into a premier sports destination for both residents and visitors,” said Deputy County Administrator Zito, in a news release. “This project exemplifies the county’s dedication to providing top-tier recreational facilities, while ensuring responsible environmental stewardship and offering a modern, accessible venue for sports enthusiasts of all ages.”

Nick Slater is TCPalm’s Indian River County Watchdog reporter. You can reach him at Nick.Slater@tcpalm.com and 224-830-2875.

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