LYNNFIELD —  You could say Lynnfield Little League continues to take it to the next level.

For the last several years, it has gone to great lengths to make improvements to its fields at Glen Meadow and Newhall parks. 

Last year, the league obtained $45,000 in a state grant to improve a drainage problem at Glen Meadow by regrading the infield. Prior to that, the league installed a new working scoreboard at Newhall. 

Parking at Newhall has also been improved, thanks to an agreement between the Town and the developers of The Arthur apartment complex on Moulton Drive that dedicated close to two dozen parking spaces to park visitors.

The latest project drawing rave reviews is the addition of a press box with an enhanced public address system behind home plate of the primary field. 

Lynnfield Little League President Tom Kayola said the successful completion of these projects has brought the league back to relevance when it comes to hosting District 16 tournament games.

“We hosted one 12-year-old game last year, but that was the first time in forever,” Kayola said, adding he believes the league wouldn’t be in the running to serve as a host site without the recent improvements. “One hundred percent, we wouldn’t be hosting these games. The press box was the board’s dream for more than a decade, so it was great to finally get that built.”

The press box was built by local contractor Dennis Wright, based on design plans contributed by local architect Peter King. 

The league’s communications director, Sabrina Mandell, said, “Their craftsmanship and willingness to support the league have given us a facility that will benefit players and families for years to come.”

She also credited the league’s sponsors and Vice President Rob O’Hara for their efforts making the project a reality.

“We’re incredibly grateful to all of our business sponsors. Their continued support and generosity year after year makes a tremendous difference for Lynnfield Little League,” she said, “but the press box wouldn’t be possible without Rob. He spearheaded the entire project, overseeing everything from the initial planning, coordinating volunteers, and managing the construction. He invested countless hours to ensure the project was completed the right way and now, we have this and it will serve our community for many years to come. We are incredibly grateful for everything Rob has done for years to make this vision a reality.”

O’Hara said the project had been in the works for a long time and is grateful to the board’s support and Robert Miller.

“As a board, it was important to us to complete a lasting project that will serve the league well into the future,” O’Hara said. “We also want to recognize Robert Miller, a Little League grandparent, who generously donated his time to repaint our snack stand. Along with the new press box, his work has helped transform the appearance of Newhall Park this season.”

O’Hara credited Mandell for “several years of fundraising efforts.

“Sabrina, along with the generosity of our families, sponsors, and community supporters, really led the way,” O’Hara said. “This was truly a team effort. The entire Board of Directors rallied behind the project, led by President Tom Kayola and Treasurer Chris Cavallo. This board was committed to seeing it through.”

O’Hara also credited Town Administrator Rob Dolan, DPW Director John Scenna and Building Inspector Joe O’Callaghan for their “outstanding support . . . encouragement and partnership” to keep the project moving forward.

Scenna said he’s been impressed by the league’s ability to not only complete so many much-needed improvements, but secure the financing to pay for them.

“We’ve worked with Little League on several projects and I am amazed at how organized they are,” he said. “They don’t just come to the DPW to get the projects done; they come with funding they’ve secured to pay for the projects. They really know how to raise money to improve the facilities for the kids.”

O’Hara said timing couldn’t be better.

“We’re especially excited that the press box was completed in time to host this summer’s District All-Star games and our 2nd Annual 9U Battle by the Lake Tournament,” O’Hara said. “One of the best parts will be hearing the kids’ names announced as they come to the plate. It’s a small touch that creates a memorable experience and makes them feel like they’re playing in the big leagues. Newhall has never looked better, and we’re thrilled that everything came together just in time for the start of another exciting summer of baseball.”