**Baseball Complex Upgrades in 2024**

This past year has been a transformative one for the Marshalltown Baseball Complex, driven by the desires of our children and families for an enhanced experience akin to what other communities offer. Among the most pressing requests was the need for functioning scoreboards, which have long been a source of frustration. Recognizing this, parents even came up with creative slogans to reignite interest in the scoreboards, suggesting ideas for T-shirts that would make them relevant once again. This enthusiasm prompted coaches and parents to take the initiative in developing a comprehensive plan to restore the scoreboards.

Historically, the baseball complex has housed five scoreboards, all of which had been out of operation for over a decade. Initially, the solution seemed straightforward: purchase new scoreboards. However, with each new scoreboard costing over $10,000, this option was not feasible. Instead, we opted for a more hands-on approach, tackling the repairs one scoreboard at a time. This effort not only involved skilled adults but also engaged the kids, imparting valuable lessons about work ethic, community service, and the acquisition of new skills.

Our repair journey revealed a host of challenges, including faulty connections, damaged boards, missing wires, and even chewed-up wiring. We are thrilled to announce that, as of now, four of the five scoreboards are operational, with hopes of restoring the final scoreboard by early 2025. To achieve full functionality for all scoreboards, we still need to acquire two additional controllers, each costing around $1,000.

In addition to scoreboard repairs, the board prioritized a significant cleanup effort around the complex. While the facility is situated on Marshalltown City Park property, maintaining the area is our responsibility as an organization. We are dedicated to ensuring that everyone who utilizes the park for walking, biking, and other activities has a pleasant experience.

Looking ahead, we are also exploring the possibility of reinstating night games in the future. We have made progress on one field, but additional fundraising will be needed to fully realize this dream.

Lastly, no baseball complex is complete without an American flag. Following the derecho, our flagpole required repairs, and we are pleased to report that we finally acquired the necessary equipment to restore it. Additionally, we installed a light on the flagpole to ensure it shines brightly even at night.

Through these upgrades and efforts, we are committed to enhancing the Marshalltown Baseball Complex, ensuring it remains a welcoming and functional space for all our players, families, and community members. Together, we are building a better future for baseball in Marshalltown!