Graham Jaehnig/Daily Mining Gazette The third of three baseball fields at the Laurium Recreation Area is being considered for improvements.

LAURIUM – One of the three ballfields at the George Gipp Recreation Area is attracting attention.

Laurium Village President Pro Tempore and Recreation/Parks Committee member Jeff Erickson said a local league told him they’ve received requests to expand, but they cannot do so until the find a second ball field.

“They asked about the possibility of us doing some work, and they would help pay for work on Gipp (field No.) 3 for next season,” Erickson said. “What that would do is allow double-headers on Mondays and Wednesdays in Laurium, so basically, 14 would be played in Laurium on Mondays and Wednesdays.”

Erickson said he thinks it is a good idea, because it would attract games and tournaments to the village

While Field No. 3 does not get used extensively, he said it is the best of the three fields, because of its drainage after rains. Currently, however, it is in the worst condition. Erickson said the upgrades, which include fencing and sand, would cost an estimated $1,000. The cost would include improving the infield and fencing.

Village Manager Ian Lewis agreed that the field should be improved. He’d like to see it done right, dug down and done the proper way. There has been discussion about starting to upgrade the fields anyway, and Gipp 3 could be the first, while we continue to work on the others over time.

The league, he said, is committed to pay $500 per year for the next several years.

Village President John Sullivan said if the village can find a way to pay for the improvements, they should be done.

“We’re making huge improvements on the recreation side of Laurium,” Sullivan said, “which is great. Everyone is noticing, and it’s getting the attention that we need, so I think if we have the funds, we can continue to push forward on improving those baseball fields,” adding that it will continue to be known that Laurium has good ballfields, which will bring in more tournaments.