Springfield reveals revamped Walker Memorial Grandstand at Forest Park

Good evening and welcome to 22 News at 5 30. I'm Christina de Moores. City officials have proudly unveiled the exciting renovations to a historic baseball stadium in Forest Park Springfield. 22 News reporter Claire Overton joins us live in studio with the improvements made to the Walker Grandstand. Christina the Walker Grandstand in Forest Park underwent numerous renovations and is now open and ready for baseball games. There's not a more beautiful park anywhere than Forest Park. The Walker Grandstand in Forest Park is now open displaying its new improvements. This place really needed the work that was done and that's the masonry construction that was redone, as well as some structural repairs. With the improvements, both the grandstand and the dugouts are in ADA compliance. But one of the most recognizable additions to the field, a fence in the outfield. Thanks to Congressman Neal, $3 million on the federal level came in for us to do this and I put in $1 million on my city side and about $50,000 for the fence. Mayor Sarno and Congressman Neal both touching upon the rich history here at the Walker Grandstand, adding that the scoreboard will be renamed to honor someone who made an impact in the sports community. In honor of Gary Brown, the scoreboard, the Walker Grandstand scoreboard will now be named the Gary Brown scoreboard. Gary Brown, a well respected sports writer for the Republican passed away back in 2022 at the age of 90 years old. Throughout his career, baseball was his favorite sport to cover. Now the Walker Grandstand forever remembering his name. I think we have a chance to celebrate the future, but also to embrace some very pleasant memories. The field will be home to baseball games of all ages, bringing the community together. The Westfield Starfires are playing at the grandstand on Sunday at four and before the game, there will be a clinic at 2.30 as well as a small festival. Working for you, Claire Overton, 22 News.