The City is aware of concerns regarding the baseball outfields at the Wabasha Athletic Complex and wants to assure the community that this issue has been receiving ongoing attention. The City has been working with the project contractor to address the outfield conditions as a normal part of the construction contract warranty process.
Following the 2025 baseball season, the outfields were repaired and regraded last fall, including sand leveling and reseeding. This work was intentionally scheduled after the season to avoid disrupting scheduled games and activities. Because the work occurred late in the year, dormant seeding was used. Dormant seeding is a commonly used approach, but successful grass establishment in the spring is dependent on weather conditions.
Earlier this spring, periods of warmer weather followed by colder temperatures and snow likely affected seed establishment, resulting in areas where the grass did not fully take. This possibility was understood when the fall work was completed and is one of the inherent risks associated with dormant seeding.
Reseeding could not be completed earlier this spring due to weather and soil conditions. Monday, May 4th, the contractor will come on-site and hydro-seed the area. The City expects the contractor to continue working with the City to correct the outfield conditions at no cost to the City and will continue to monitor progress to ensure the work is completed appropriately.
We will do our best but are unable to guarantee that the seeded areas will be fully established with grass by the start of the baseball season.
The City recognizes that timing is important for the upcoming baseball season and understands the scheduling challenges that the field conditions creates for teams, families, and organizers. The City appreciates the community’s patience and remains committed to restoring the athletic fields for safe, reliable, and enjoyable public use.
