Highland Ball is proposing a $300,000 investment to improve softball fields at the West 7th Community Center and establish what the organization says would be St. Paul’s first dedicated fast-pitch softball fields.
The proposal, developed in partnership with St. Paul Parks and Recreation, calls for reorienting the existing fields, installing 200-foot outfield fencing and backstops, adding player benches, spectator seating and batting cages, and constructing connecting walkways. The first phase would also add electrical infrastructure to accommodate future improvements.
Construction is proposed to begin in August and continue through April 2027, with the fields ready for play by spring 2027. Future phases could include field lighting, scoreboards, restrooms and a concessions building.
The city would continue to own and operate the fields, and they would remain available to the broader community. Highland Ball would use the fields through the city’s existing permitting process, primarily on evenings from late April through mid-July.
Highland Ball provides recreational and travel softball programs for students in kindergarten through ninth grade. The organization reported 321 participants in 2026, 86% of whom are St. Paul residents. It also provided 22 full scholarships to players and works with the city, the Minnesota Twins RBI program, Como Softball and St. Catherine University.
Under the proposal, the West 7th fields would become the primary home for Highland Ball’s second- through sixth-grade recreational league, serving about 200 players each season.
Highland Ball said St. Paul currently lacks fields dedicated specifically to fast-pitch softball, forcing teams to compete for space on multiuse, baseball or slow-pitch fields. The organization said a dedicated complex would provide more reliable field access, support participation growth and could eventually allow St. Paul to host weekend softball tournaments.
Leave a Reply