Pierre’s JO softball teams have an improved warm-up area at the Oahe Softball Complex.
Thanks to a partnership between the Oahe JO Softball Association and the City of Pierre, the pitching and catching warm-up area has switched from dirt to grass and is irrigated. Plus, an additional batting cage has been installed for the JO teams.
“We had a strip of land down at the complex that was used for warm-up but had never been fully developed,” said Toby Stertz, Park Dept. Crew Leader. “A donation from association members allowed us to install irrigation, and seed the grass.
The association threw in some sweat equity as well. The city provided materials for an additional batting cage in the warm-up area, and association members helped with the installation.
“We continue to see girls’ softball become more popular and more prominent as a recognized competitive sport,” said Dean Hall, Oahe JO Association President. “This is a nice improvement for the team and one that will continue to serve our program as it grows.”
Stertz says the work was completed after the summer softball season.
“The grass is coming in pretty good right now,” said Stertz. “By next summer’s season, the teams should be able to fully realize the improvements.”
The Oahe Softball Complex is located in Southeast Pierre and features nine fields. The west side of the complex is home to the Oahe Softball Association and features four regulation size softball fields. The east side of the complex is home to the Capital City Baseball Association and Post 8 baseball.
CAPTION: Irrigation equipment for the recently improved softball warm-up area at the Oahe Softball Complex was donated by Daron and Carrie Wheelhouse. Pictured L to R: Breanna Lowery, Assoc. President Dean Hall, Daron Wheelhouse, Carrie Wheelhouse, Addison Hall.