Othello celebrates Lions Park upgrades
Othello Parks and Recreation Coordinator Valerie Hernandez, right, and Othello Public Works Director Curt Carpenter, left, cut the ceremonial ribbon on Othello’s upgrades to the Lions Park Athletic Complex.
IAN BIVONA/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
The concession stand at the Lions Park Athletic Complex received a major upgrade, according to Public Works Director Curt Carpenter.
A plaque was placed in front of the concession stand, dedicated to individuals and donors for the renovation of Lions Park.
The 8/9/10U Washington Little League State Tournaments will be hosted in Othello from Saturday through July 30.
OTHELLO — Just in time for the beginning of the 8/9/10U Washington Little League State Tournaments this weekend, the city of Othello unveiled the renovations to the Lions Park Athletic Complex on Friday.
“When we were told that we could host a state tournament and the city of Othello was chosen to do that, we had decided that these fields should be top-notch and ready to go,” Othello Parks and Recreation Coordinator Valerie Hernandez said. “Not only just for that tournament but for future tournaments.”
The renovations at Lions Park include an upgraded concessions stand, shaded areas in dugouts and on the bleachers, new fields and a new sound system.
“We’ve stepped our services up greatly, hoping to get an event every year,” Othello Public Works Director Curt Carpenter said. “We’re trying to fill tournament events for this (park). We also have a four-court tournament basketball court going in currently, a $2 million playground that we’ll start here in about two weeks and we’re also doing another trail. Lions Park is getting a total upgrade.”
The blue shaders give some protection to players and fans in the stands from the sun during the summer.
“We are in the Columbia Basin, and it’s scorching hot in the summer,” Hernandez said. “Shaders and dividers are a big deal. Soon, not today, but we’re also going to have misters up for this tournament and any big tournaments in the summer.”
The renovation project has received numerous donations from individuals and businesses around the Columbia Basin, whose generosity was honored with a plaque in front of the concession stand in Lions Park.
“At first we have this vision, but when you start having your contributors and donors step in – it’s really special to see them come together and come out and support,” Hernandez said. “The feeling is great. It’s family-like; they do it for the future of Othello.”
Games in the tournament begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday and run through the championship game on July 30 at 10 a.m.
“The renovation process has been little by little,” Hernandez said. “Our public works guys have been working really hard alongside our donors and contributors. With that being said, it came together really well towards the end and right before the state tournament. Our timing was perfect for that.”
Ian Bivona may be reached at ibivona@columbiabasinherald.com.
