Litchfield Park District Meeting | Feb. 4, 2026

Article Summary: The Litchfield Park District Board reviewed facility improvements, including a stalled proposal to upgrade Walton Park dugouts and updates on the new concession building.

Litchfield Park District Key Points:

• Walton Park Dugouts: A proposal to use student labor for upgrades was tabled to allow for further assessment of the project scope.

• Concession Building: The new restroom and concession structure is ready for delivery but is delayed by pending utility connections.

• Diving Board Replacement: The District has applied for $25,000 from the Corwin Memorial Trust to help offset the estimated $55,000 cost of a new diving board.

The Litchfield Park District Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, discussed several infrastructure projects, facing delays on a new concession building and pausing action on proposed upgrades to the Walton Park dugouts.

During the meeting, Commissioner Sherry Bergschneider presented a proposal from the SCI Center involving a collaboration with their building trades class. SCI Director Juletta Ellis volunteered her students to upgrade the dugouts at Walton Park by constructing a roof for each structure and installing helmet containers. Under the proposal, the District would purchase the materials, estimated at approximately $2,500, while the students would provide the labor at no cost.

Despite the low cost, the Board hesitated to move forward immediately. Commissioner Bergschneider raised concerns about the scope of the work, questioning why the dugout seats were not being raised as part of the roof construction. Commissioner Katie Cross suggested the Board “re-assess the whole project” before committing.

While the minutes noted that the Board supports the project in principle, no formal action was taken. The Commissioners agreed to follow up with SCI to discuss the specifics before proceeding.

In other facility news, Commissioner Katie Cross provided an update on the new “Tardis” restroom and concession building. The structure is complete and ready for delivery, with preliminary concrete work for the foundation already finished at the site. However, the installation is currently on hold while the District awaits plumbing and electrical work.

According to the report, Dan Heise, the plumber contacted for the project, informed Director Bryant that he is currently occupied installing 200 sinks at St. Francis Hospital and cannot begin the Park District work until that project concludes. The building cannot be set on its foundation until the initial plumbing and electrical connections are completed.

The Board also reviewed funding efforts for the Memorial Pool. A report on the Corwin Memorial Trust submission noted that the deadline was January 30. Director Bryant requested $25,000 to replace the existing low diving board. The total estimated cost for the replacement is $55,000, and the Director indicated he will seek additional estimates for the project.