Allamakee County Community Foundation, Alliant Energy contribute to fencing project


Volunteers from the Alliant Energy facility south of Lansing are providing the labor for a project at the Lansing Sports Complex to replace the backstop and fencing. The labor is being counted as in-kind local matching funds for a $5,000 grant awarded to the Lansing Park and Recreations Department by the Allamakee County Community Foundation. Pictured above (left to right) are Alliant Energy employees Adam Green, Jim Thies, Reggie Schulte and Mike Manning. Standard photo by B.J. Tomlinson.

by B.J. Tomlinson

Volunteers from the Alliant Energy plant south of Lansing are helping the Lansing Park and Recreation Department renovate the ball diamond by replacing the old backstop and fencing at the facility. The volunteers have been working on this portion of the project for about a week and expect to be on the job for another week or so. The plan includes new fencing along the baselines, higher fencing in some of the areas where foul balls often escape into the crowd, a new wooden fence along the parking lot curb and a wider gate in right field for emergency vehicle access when the field is used as a landing zone for air med-evacs. Gary Moe from Moe Fencing is helping direct the crews in the details of the fencing installation process. The Alliant crews painted the bathroom and concession stand areas as well.
The Lansing Parks Board, consisting of Dave Pleasants, Corey Winters, Marlene Duffy, Kelly Mudderman and Jeremy Smerud, have been working on securing funding for improving the ball diamond for the past two years. The upgrades were estimated to be valued around $10,000. The Parks Board received a $5,000 grant from the Allamakee County Community Foundation plus a City match of $2,500. When Alliant and  its partner, Burns and McDonnell, said they would provide the labor, the plan was put in motion. “The Alliant contribution of in-kind labor made the project possible,” Lansing Mayor Mike Brennan said.
The Parks Board has also secured a McElroy Grant that will cover 100% of the costs of a new scoreboard that will likely be installed in the spring, or possibly this fall if the weather allows. New dugouts will follow as soon as funding is in place. The Lansing Lion’s Club will also assist with portions of the project.