The renovation project at Walker Stadium looks to be on schedule, according to an update from the Portland Pickles (summer collegiate; Great West League). The Pickles, who are set to be charter members of the new Great West League, anticipate that upgrades to Walker Stadium will be complete by the team’s home opener on June 10. Much of the progress has been credited to partnerships between the Pickles and various businesses and labor groups.
The Pickles organization stepped forward in 2013, offering to lead the effort to renovate the 1950s ball park, without the use of public funds. The ball team is contributing significant funding, while many firms are donating services to help in the community effort.
Skanska Construction and Ostmo Construction have contributed valuable consultation. Parr Lumber is involved in providing needed materials, while Cement Masons 555 and the Northwest Carpenters Union are providing labor.
Security Signs has jumped on board and is in the midst of constructing the major league-style back stop, and will be installing the new electronic scoreboard. With the completion of the back stop, key concrete work will be completed and more than 200 major league-style chair back seats will be installed.
“We’re attempting to take a baseball stadium built by the people of Portland and renovate it, so that the people of Portland have a great venue for affordable family fun,” said Pickles President and CEO Ken Wilson. “Our success is very dependent upon contributions from the business community.”