(Stillwater, Okla.) — The City of Stillwater will move forward with a full renovation of the Strickland Park baseball and softball complex, an investment designed to enhance quality of life, expand youth sports opportunities, and strengthen the community’s role as a regional tournament destination. The $1.8M project was approved by the Stillwater Economic Development Authority (SEDA), with funding from the visitor sales tax.
“When the Tourism Advisory Committee met, there was discussion among committee members regarding improving ballfields in certain parks and developing a complex with multiple fields. We agreed, this is an important first step,” Vice Mayor Amy Dzialowski said. “This helps ensure that Stillwater does not fall off the tournament schedule due to weather-related cancellations.”
Carolyn Walstad, Executive Director of SASA, added that the project reflects years of advocacy and a shared vision for the future of youth sports in Stillwater. “This has been a long time coming, and we’re thrilled to see this investment moving forward. These upgrades will give our players safer, top-quality fields, enhance the experience for families and volunteers, and better position Stillwater as a premier destination for tournaments across the region.”
The total project cost is $1,835,745, with major components being turf installation ($760,000), fencing ($298,300), LED lighting ($315,600), and renovations to concessions and restrooms ($145,000).
The renovation plan includes:
• Infield turf installation on all four fields
• New fencing on all fields
• LED field lighting
• Dugout extensions and upgrades
• Renovated restrooms and concession areas
• Shade structures
Other communities that have leveraged tourism and the regional draw for baseball and softball tournaments with artificial turf fields and sports complexes, include Broken Bow, Choctaw, Edmond, Midwest City, and Tahlequah.
City Manager Brady Moore emphasized the long-term community impact of the investment. “Investing in high-quality recreational spaces, both by enhancing what we have and creating new opportunities, is essential to Stillwater’s continued growth. Projects like the Strickland Park renovation improve quality of life for our residents, attract visitors, and allow us to host major events like these baseball and softball tournaments that bring lasting economic and community benefits.”
The goal is to have the fields ready for tournament play beginning in August 2026. To meet the deadline, the City will utilize the state’s streamlined procurement system, Oklahoma Purchasing System (TOPS).
“The renovation of Strickland Park Ballfields is an exciting opportunity for our community,” Deputy City Manager Christy Driskel said. “Not only will it enhance the playing experience for local youth and families, but it will also make Strickland a premier destination for tournaments. It’s truly going to be a great place to play ball.”
Strickland Park currently hosts the highest number of out-of-town teams in the area. However, recent years have demonstrated how weather can significantly impact tournament play and local economic activity. In 2024, a strong tournament season brought more than 12,500 out-of-town visitors and generated an estimated $2.8 million in visitor spending. In contrast, heavy rainfall in 2025 led to multiple cancellations, reducing participation to approximately 7,800 visitors and lowering estimated spending to $1.34 million.
Across 2023 through 2025, SASA tournaments generated an estimated $226,967 in sales tax for the City of Stillwater, highlighting the direct connection between reliable facilities and economic return. The addition of turf fields is expected to significantly reduce weather-related cancellations and stabilize tournament scheduling and revenue.
“Visitors will come, stay, and enjoy all that Stillwater has to offer, supporting our local hotels, restaurants, and businesses,” Visit Stillwater President and CEO Cristy Morrison said. “This project elevates Stillwater as a go-to regional destination for tournaments and events, attracting teams from across the region while also serving our local and surrounding communities. With new turf, dugouts, restrooms, and concessions, players and families can have a top-tier experience without weather delays or cancellations.”
Originally added to the park in 1994, the Strickland Park ballfields are Stillwater’s only four-field complex and are centrally located near hotels and restaurants. The complex is also connected to Mya’s Playground, a fully accessible and inclusive space, making it a key recreational destination for residents and visitors alike. Since partnering with the City in 2013, SASA has helped grow Strickland into the area’s leading host site for youth baseball and softball tournaments.
Construction is expected to begin this summer, with the renovated complex positioned to support both local play and regional tournaments this fall ball season and for years to come. For project updates, go to: stillwaterok.gov/projects.
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