[StBernard] First baseball season at Val Riess Park brings records amounts of players

[Westley Annis]

First baseball season at Val Riess Park brings records amounts of players

More than 850 players are enjoying the brand new Val Riess Recreational
Complex this spring, playing on the four fields that comprise the first
phase of the 33-acre facility in the heart of Chalmette.

The phase which was completed at the end of last summer represents the first
$5 million in work for a complex that will have more than $20 million in
construction before it is completed. The completed phase includes four new
baseball fields, a concession stand, covered seating with fans and a shelter
pavilion for visitors.

“This park is for the children and the families to enjoy,” President Craig
P. Taffaro, Jr. said. He said the increased numbers of players is a
testament to the improvements to the Recreation Department in the last 2½
years.

“Our goal is to create first class facilities where children can play in a
safe and welcoming environment,” Taffaro said. “The opening of Val Riess as
well as the new Kenilworth Park are more key signs of the Recovery and
Growth of St. Bernard Parish.”

While 700 children played in last year’s spring and summer baseball leagues,
more than 850 are playing in both seasons this year. The spring season ended
in mid-May and the summer leagues and All-Star teams are now practicing,
preparing for games to begin. Games should last through July. There are 54
teams participating in the six-week summer season.

In addition to playing ball at Val Riess, players are now enjoying
Kenilworth Park, which was completely rebuilt and reopened near the end of
last year. Children also are using the fields at the Hannan Complex as well.

The work at Val Riess at the northern end of Palmisano Boulevard in
Chalmette – financed by a combination of FEMA and Community Development
Block Grant funds – is being done in four phases that ultimately will
include eight baseball fields, two large concession stands and a 40,000-plus
square foot massive multi-purpose building. 

President Taffaro has said the facility should be an economic engine that
will be able to host local recreational and All-Star games, as well as
baseball and softball tournaments, regional tournaments, World Series and
adult cabbage ball and softball leagues. 

The current phase under construction will feature four baseball fields with
two being designed to host high school and college games with a three-story
concession stand that will include a climate controlled bistro for eating
and viewing the games on the third floor.

Phase 3 will include the 40,000-plus square foot multi-purpose building that
will host events, such as basketball tournaments, professional boxing and
auto/boat shows. The facility, which will be nearly four times larger than
the current Grand Ballroom at the Frederick Sigur Civic Center, will also be
available to host trade shows, conventions and Mardi Gras balls. 

For more information about the Recovery and Growth of St. Bernard Parish,
please visit our website at www.sbpg.net.

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