The fundraiser for a new concession stand and equipment facility at the Babe Ruth Field in Greater Ottumwa park got a big boost, thanks to a grant from the Ottumwa Regional Legacy Foundation.

The committee’s plan is to construct a new, two-story building which will house a concession stand, restrooms, storage and press boxes. The new building will be a 30-foot by 36-foot, two-story multipurpose building that will house a new concession stand, men’s and women’s restrooms and storage for field equipment on the first floor. The second story of the building will consist of a large press box that will eventually serve both fields and team lockers for uniform and team equipment storage. Also included will be a foul ball safety protection system that has been a need of the facility for many years. This is a netting system that will be hung over the spectator area that will keep visitors safe from foul balls hit out of the fields. With this new building and protection system, Ottumwa baseball will be in a better position to host multi-team tournaments which will bring many visitors to the Ottumwa community.

The Legacy Foundation pledged to the league a challenge grant, matching dollar-for-dollar what is raised up to $50,000. Businesses and community members donated money throughout September and that effort will be ongoing.

Questions and emails regarding this campaign can be sent to sbbf4@yahoo.com .