KIRKWOOD, Mo. — It may be time to play ball again soon at the Kirkwood Athletic Association fields.
There's a major change of plans from the City Council that had already approved a full demolition.
After the Kirkwood Athletic Association had several tough years that included flooding and the COVID-19 pandemic, the city took over in February 2023.
This place for former athletes to play catch with their parents is now overgrown and was on the demolition chopping block until a still forming Kirkwood citizens group heard the announcement and said they could help.
"Our ultimate goal is to probably come up with some sort of community city partnership with the end result goal being returning the fields to use, ideally for youth," said Ben Caffey, who is with the Kirkwood citizen group hoping to rehabilitate the fields.
Demolition plans approved by the City Council in early June are now on hold after being scheduled for this summer.
"We got some citizen feedback and a lot of concern expressed about, you know, what the plan was and why we didn't really sit down and look at how we can maintain athletic fields," Kirkwood City Council member Gina Jaksetic told 5 On Your Side's Annie Krall.
It's an area that has had criminal issues in the past, according to council members.
"They break in and they've stolen that isn't tied down and then some like the copper wire and copper plumbing, fixtures, everything," Kirkwood council member Paul Schaefer said. "Then, hanging out down here, vandalism stuff, just a lot of kids but a lot of just people and thievery going on."
The still unnamed Kirkwood citizen, group consisting of five members as of now, is working on funding through community donations for a rehabilitation that could cost tens of thousands of dollars or even six figures, Caffey said.
Some of the structures that are unsafe may come down this summer. However, there are plans to keep and update the dugouts, light posts and batting cages.
If you're interested in helping with the Kirkwood baseball field rehabilitation or donating, you can contact Caffey at bcaffey5117@gmail.com.