It’s official: the Kenosha Common Council approved a lease and ballpark-improvement plan for Simmons Field with the owners of the Madison Mallards and Wisconsin Rapids Rafters, as a 2014 Northwoods League team is on the horizon.
Simmons Field is the former home to Midwest League and Frontier League baseball in the Wisconsin community. Under the lease, $1 million in ballpark improvements will be on the docket, funded with $250,000 from the Northwoods League team and $750,000 from the city. In addition, the team will pay $30,000 annually in rent. This is the same agreement approved last week by the Parks Commission.
During debate on the lease, Alderperson David Bogdala tried to substitute additional financial measures to the lease as worked out by the Northwoods League owners and the city, including a performance bond. His attempt failed for the lack of a second.
As mentioned, the owners expect to field a team for the 2014 season, with the first round of improvements — which includes new seating — set to be installed next summer. Also up in 2013: a name-the-team contest.
RELATED STORIES: Simmons Field lease approved for Northwoods League team; Mallards pitch Kenosha on Simmons Field renovations
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