GRAND ISLAND, Neb.— The City of Grand Island will begin a $3.75 million renovation on the Ryder Park softball and baseball fields after approval by the city council.
 
Ryder Park is home to six ball fields, four tennis courts, a playground, picnic areas and Tornado Hill. 
 
Grand Island High School Baseball and the American Legion Baseball program both utilize Ryder Park from spring to summer. The new college summer league team will also use the facility.
 
The proposal was brought to the board in September of 2024 by representatives of the American Legion Program. The original plan was to remodel dugouts, lights, batting cages, restrooms, and concessions, as well as add a synthetic turf field. 
 
However, city staff made the decision to reduce the project for affordability purposes. 
 
The new project includes a synthetic turf field, dugouts, lights, batting cages, and stadium improvements. Previously planned improvements will be constructed in a later phase.
 
Ward Five’s Doug Lanfear commented on the attention a facility like this could create on a national level.
 
 
“I think it’ll start out small and grow,” said Lanfear. “There is a great deal of enthusiasm to using that on a much larger scale, even a national scale. If it works out, it’s going to be great for the city.”The council voted Tuesday to award the bid to Nemaha Sports Construction of Lincoln.
 
The $3.75 million project will draw money from the Food and Beverage funds, donations from the Grand Island Community Foundation, pledges and the Diamond Baseball League.