Plummer Field slated for upgrades

BETTER DAYS — With the onset of Spring, there is the promise of softball and baseball teams playing on area sports field. The Plummer Memorial Field may have improvements on the horizon. (De Busk Photo) 

By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES — Batting cages and a garage for storage are being proposed as improvements to the Jeff Plummer Memorial Field.

But first, the local ballfield needs some tender loving care.

The cost of the new additions has been added to the proposed 2018-19 Naples budget. An estimated cost of $7,000 has been placed in the budget.

On Monday, the Naples Board of Selectmen met jointly with the Naples Budget Committee to review and vote on the budget.

Later, during the regular board meeting, resident Matt Plummer talked about the specific improvements for the sports field named after his family member.

“So, we would like to build a 24’x24’ garage parallel with the parking lot and a 70-foot-long batting cage — all built by us,” Plummer said.

“The softball field — it is your only recreation facility. The majority of it has been donated by my family. It bothers me to see it in disarray. I am upset the hockey field has been in dismantled,” he said.

He told the board he has mowed the field and put down the lines.

However, along with basic maintenance, there are a lot of improvements that could be made.

Plummer told the board, “We are raising money.”

“I want to do as much as I can, but I cannot pay for it myself,” he said.

“A professional has to come in because it is in such disrepair,” he said, referring to the field.

Chairman Jim Grattelo said, “So, the $7,000 is in budget.”

While all budgetary items are proposed as warrant articles at town meeting, the building of a permanent structure on town land must also be approved by residents.