New State-of-the-Art Baseball Park Opens in Waco, Texas

Apr 3, 2024

By LAN Staff

After years of planning, design, and construction, the City of Waco, in collaboration with lead design firm Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN), celebrated the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art baseball park. The complex includes four baseball fields, two softball fields, and two specialized inclusive fields. The $9.5 million project, initiated in November 2020, reached completion in March 2024, marking a significant milestone in the city’s commitment to sports, community engagement, and inclusivity.

LAN, serving as the lead design firm, was responsible for the comprehensive design of the 16.5-acre complex, including utilities, drainage, fields, fencing, concrete layout, landscaping, and the construction of four key buildings. Key project partners included Asakura Robinson, who contributed landscape architectural and irrigation expertise, and Quintero Engineering for surveying services.

One of the project’s most unique aspects was its focus on inclusivity. Specific design elements cater to the Challenger Little League, a program for athletes with accessibility challenges. This included two fields and one building specifically designed to accommodate these athletes, ensuring the facility’s accessibility and usability for all participants.

The project’s location was determined through a strategic 3-way land swap involving McLennan County, the City of Waco, and Waco ISD, optimizing the use of space to fit six regulation-size fields and two Challenger fields.

“The completion of this baseball complex demonstrates the city’s dedication to providing safe, fun, and inclusive spaces for all children,” said Lee Hamm, PE, Project Manager at LAN. “We’re proud to be a part of unveiling this new, state-of-the-art athletic space that enhances this community.”

With the completion of this project, the City of Waco and LAN have provided a premier sports facility that will serve the community for years to come. It will promote physical activity and the spirit of sportsmanship among athletes of all abilities.