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Replacement backstop coming for Thorndale Park A new baseball backstop is on its way for Thorndale Park, according to Tim Pluemer of City Parks.The location is the northwest corner of the park, next to 24th Street. The old one had to be removed after being wrecked several months ago. “It was in pretty good shape until somebody ran into it,” Pluemer said. Work on the new backstop is scheduled to start May 19, placing its poles. The concrete will need a week to set, and then chainlink framework will be welded in place. May 28 is the probable date the backstop can be used, Pluemer said. Where the old backstop had a curve in it, the new unit will be rectangular, also a little smaller. The field is intended for t-ball play or for practices, he said. Not returning to Thorndale are the barbecue cookers that had been there for years. Joel Beck, a board member of the Organization of Westside Neighbors (the city- recognized advocacy group for the older Westside), said he has learned that such cookers are being removed from all the parks. City Parks Maintenance Director Kurt Schroeder elaborated that it is because of fire concerns. Personal propane units are allowed in parks. Also, Beck reported that the Thorndale tennis courts are not going to be reopened soon. The surface had too much cracking, and City Parks has no immediate schedule to replace it. For more information, Beck can be reached at 630-8105.
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