Membership dollars at Work

Lawrence Preservation Alliance has donated $2,500 to the Municipal Stadium at Hobbs Park Legacy Project. This fund was created to support the writing of a nomination of the old 1947 baseball park at 11th and Delaware Street to both the Register of Historic Kansas Places and the National Register of Historic Places. LPA joins other groups such as the East Lawrence Neighborhood Association, the Watkins Museum of History, the Shelley Miller Trust, Kaw Valley Kickball League, Hernly Associates, Lawrence Parks, Recreation and Culture Department and supporters to preserve the historic ballpark.

Still in active use, particularly by the popular Kaw Valley Kickball League, the city-owned park boasts a long history as a site for community baseball. The American Legion Baseball League used the facility for many years. In its early days, Municipal Stadium hosted semi-professional touring teams, including a game played in August 1949 involving the famed Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro National League. 

Repairs and improvements to the stadium would ensure the stadium will provide an excellent game experience into the future, as well as continuing its significant contribution to the culture of Lawrence and the East Lawrence neighborhood.

The community effort to attain historic listings would make state and national tax credit programs available for a potential repair and improvement project should the city decide to undertake one in the future. If donation totals allow, the coalition could take the next step by commissioning a Historic Structures Report (HSR), a thoroughly researched document that will elaborate on the facility’s rich history and provide detailed structural analysis of the concrete seating bowl’s condition while exploring the possibility of reconstructing original features that no longer exist, such as in-ground dugouts and a concession stand.

The current effort began when board member Justine Burton brought up the subject in a meeting of the Douglas County Historical Society. Curator of Exhibitions Andrew Stockmann’s ears perked up when discussion turned to the site’s semi-pro team history and especially the Kansas City Monarchs. While the executive group overseeing the process is not formally organized, a core group of Andrew, Justine, Lee Ice, Jacki Becker and Erin Adams can be counted on to meet monthly and keep the ball rolling.

The Municipal Stadium Fund is set up at the Douglas County Community Foundation to accept donations from any group or individual interested in helping this project. LPA is pleased to give its support and encourages others to help make a reality of this local Field of Dreams project.

Municipal Stadium at Hobbs Park

Municipal Stadium at Hobbs Park