The Volvo excavator stood parked outside the old Bush Field on an overcast Tuesday morning, ready for someone to begin demolition of the remaining structure on Arlington Street to make way for a multipurpose sports facility.
Instead, Third Ward Councilwoman Lanette Frazier got the demo started, even if it was just ceremonially striking the outer wall to what used to be the concession stand behind the bleachers.
“This is not about me or one person,” Frazier emphasized, “but all of us coming together in the community and leaving a legacy for children.”
The old Babe Ruth League ballpark took a step toward Frazier’s vision for a new sports complex after Graphyte, the carbon casting company established in Pine Bluff earlier this year, presented a ceremonial $25,000 check to the project just before the rain arrived at a news conference. Graphyte announced its actual donation May 20.
The new sports complex is expected to include a baseball diamond within a football field, surrounded by lights, a basketball court, skate park, and walking trail. Frazier contributed $25,000 of her own discretionary funds provided by Mayor Shirley Washington toward the project and fellow Third Ward Councilman Glen Brown Sr. is set to drop another $15,000, Frazier said last month.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Frazier’s goal for the complex is $2,638,865. She added Tuesday she’s applying for a $250,000 match grant.
B.R.A.V.E., the Pine Bluff chapter of the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters, donated Bush Field to Frazier and is working with her and other complex organizers on the project, Frazier revealed.
Members of the Pine Bluff Police Department’s newly revived bicycle unit were on hand with their new rides. The new fleet includes 11 bikes purchased through a Project Smart Neighborhood federal grant and an e-bike donated by Smart Chevrolet.
Police Chief Denise Richardson said community members asked for the return of the bike patrol.
“We don’t have enough officers, so we asked for officers to do double duty,” Richardson said. “When they come off regular patrol, they’re playing a dual role by also riding on the bike patrol. The officers wanted it, and it’s what the people want.”
Members of the Pine Bluff Police Bike Patrol pose with First Ward Councilwoman Latisha Brunson, second from left in foreground, and Third Ward Councilwoman Lanette Frazier, third from left in foreground, at a news conference for Graphyte’s donation to the Third Ward sports complex project. (Pine Bluff Commercial/I.C. Murrell)
Pine Bluff Third Ward Councilwoman Lanette Frazier takes several swipes at the old Bush Field concession stand with a large hammer as a sign of beginning demolition of the facility. (Pine Bluff Commercial/I.C. Murrell)
From left, Graphyte leaders Saskia Versteeg, Nathan Davis and Barclay Rogers present a $25,000 display check to Pine Bluff Third Ward Councilwoman Lanette Frazier as children show renderings of a sports complex to replace the existing Bush Field structure on Arlington Street. (Pine Bluff Commercial/I.C. Murrell)