OBSERVER Photo by M.J. Stafford Prommenschenkel Stadium in Dunkirk’s Wright Park is pictured Tuesday afternoon. Local softball scenesters have asked the city Department of Public Works to step up maintenance efforts at the city’s softball fields.

Dunkirk’s softball scene wants the city Department of Public Works to improve fields at Point Gratiot and Wright Park.

The Common Council’s Democrats brought up the issue at the most recent council meeting. Councilwoman Natalie Luczkowiak noted a softball stadium revitalization committee was set to chat with DPW officials after the council meeting.

“We had tournaments (last summer) that brought in a lot of out of town people who noticed these ballparks were by the lake, and were amazed,” she said. “They also noted that the ballparks were below par. We need to invest some time to bring the well-used ballparks over the last few decades up to par to match our wonderful lakeview.”

The stadium committee “will have a list of concerns right after this meeting today, they cost little to no money, that need repair or some attention,” Luzckowiak continued. “I know the DPW, we have half the staff we’ve had, and I know you’re so overwhelmed and doing a wonderful job, but we would like to bring these concerns to your attention.”

Councilman Marty Bamonto thanked Luczkowiak and the stadium committee for their work.

“I know you guys’ hearts are in the softball fields down there, and they do need some work, and we’d be looking forward to your feedback,” he said. “I did speak to Ryan Hall (city recreation programs director) yesterday and we had a couple ideas bouncing around, so when you guys get a more firm thing and narrow down what you want to do, we’ll work with you.”

Luczkowiak told the OBSERVER Tuesday that the list of costing little or no money includes gate adjustments; repair, repainting and cleaning of bleachers; clearing leaves and brush earlier in the season; checking alignment of the playing area; and cleaning up the parking lots. The stadium group would like the work done by May 1 as opposed to just before the summer tourneys, she added.

DPW officials were receptive to the list and agreed to try and follow it, Luczkowiak said. “They love softball as well — everyone does,” she added.

The softball stadium group also offered DPW a long-term list of possible projects that would cost some money. That includes dugout covers, larger team benches, and maintenance areas devoted specifically to the fields.

The group dreams of bringing in a multi-field complex as other cities have, Luczkowiak added, noting that would need grants and funding.

She said that improved fields would bring in more tournaments, which would attract more spending at Dunkirk businesses.

“It’s just a benefit to Dunkirk if we pay more attention and take more notice” of the city softball fields, Luczkowiak concluded. “In the long run it would be beneficial.”