Morrison Park Revitalization Project Moving Forward

The following was submitted by Westwood Little League President John Loughnane:

Last January, WLL presented the  Selectmen with a proposal  to make significant improvements to Morrison Park  to better serve the many children and families that make use of the Park.  In July, the Selectman formally voted to approval the proposal.   Since then, WLL has been hard at work with the Town to implement the improvements.  In October, WLL completed its design drawings and obtained both Planning Board and Zoning Board approval to move forward.   Copies of the final design drawings are posted on the WLL site at westwoodlittleleague.com under the Revitalize Morrison tab.

Construction work is underway.  The Town removed the obsolete tennis courts earlier this fall and is working to construct a brand new court turned ninety degrees from the prior courts.   Westwood Little League has completed necessary sewer work to be able to construct restrooms and an improved concession stand.   WLL  is using the services of Tom Bean, a local resident who grew up playing on the field and who coaches in the league now.  

The Project consists of two phases.   Phase I is currently underway and will result in the total reconstruction of the existing field.   Once all existing  loam is removed,  a gravel base will be installed to aid in drainage of the new field.   Then the new field will be laid on top.     In order to ensure the highest quality field, WLL  is also consulting with Dennis Brolin of Sports Turf Specialties, Inc of Wrentham who was introduced to the League through David Mellor, the Head Groundskeeper of Fenway Park.  The new field will also meet regulation Little League dimensions of 200 feet to the outfield wall.  The former field was short in right field because of the location of the former tennis courts.  

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Other amenities of the new field to be added as part of Phase I are an additional hitting cage (for a total of two), the addition of two bullpens,  roofed dugouts with storage space for bags and helmets, an enhanced scoreboard, improved spectator seating, new scorers both, improved storage and more.

Phase II will begin next August after the conclusion of summer baseball.     Phase II will involve the construction of the new restroom facility and new concession stand as part of the new improved entrance to the Park.   When completed, Westwood will have a terrific venue for children and their families who visit.  Moreover, the changes will improve the aesthetics and safety of the current Park bringing a real benefit to the community at large. 

Initial reviews of the project plans have been very well received.   WLL recently learned, for example, that the Revitalized Morrison Park is one of two sites being considered by a statewide association of Little League officials to serve as host for  the 2014 Massachusetts State Little League Championship Tournament. 

Community Support

Major support for the project has been obtained to date from two sources:  (1) Roche Bros Market and the Roche Family ($100,000) and (2) local residents Ellen and Duncan McFarland ($100,000).  Grant applications are pending with a variety of charitable foundations.   In addition, WLL has instituted a  brick selling campaign to generate grassroots community support.   Individuals and small businesses may easily contribute to the project by visiting the WLL website (westwoodlittleleague.com) and clicking on the “Revitalize Morrison” tab at the top and following through to the Contribute Now link.  We need your support!

Background Information About WLL

Each year, WLL serves approximately 700 youth by sponsoring youth baseball activities. The goal of WLL  is to "implant firmly in the children of the community the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage and respect for authority so that they may be well adjusted, stronger and happier children who will grow to be decent, healthy and trustworthy citizens."  

WLL is governed by a board which meets monthly throughout the year.   The name of each board member is listed under the “contacts” tab of our website, westwoodlittleleague.com.   Please visit the WLL website to learn more about the league and click on the “Revitalize Morrison” tab for information about contributing to the success of the project.