Lynn Haven Sports Complex to reopen ballpark, hosting season Opening Day

The SODA Blog

April 19, 2023

BY: Ebonee Burrell, Panama City, The News Herald, March 1, 2023

LYNN HAVEN — After being destroyed nearly five years ago, a state-of-the-art sports and recreational complex is starting to reopen and the community is invited to celebrate.

The City of Lynn Haven announced that the grand reopening of the Lynn Haven Sports Complex Ballpark and Spring Ball Opening Day will be Saturday at 2201 Recreation Drive. The sports complex was severely damaged in 2018 by Hurricane Michael. But, despite the damages, the city worked to replan, rebuild and restore the facility with newly refreshed amenities.

Now on the brink of reopening the ballpark, the city is ready to welcome the community back to its central hub of sporting events.

The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. with opening remarks from Lynn Haven City Manager Vickie Gainer, followed by the invocation by Commissioner Brandon Aldridge. A presentation of colors will be presented by Mosley High School’s Marine Corps JROTC, along with Renee Byrd singing the national anthem.

Forty-four teams combining a total of over five hundred players will be the first to experience the five brand-new baseball fields the complex has to offer during opening day. The ball games will begin at 10 a.m., with former Commissioner Dan Russell throwing out the first pitch to catcher Mayor Jesse Nelson to get the season underway.

Sports and Recreation Director Justin Ward said he’s looking forward to welcoming the community to the first season held since Hurricane Michael.

“This is our first Spring season at the Lynn Haven Sports Complex Ballpark since Hurricane Michael took its toll on our fields,” Ward said. “We are more than thrilled to have our ballpark reopen and cannot wait for the continued growth of our sports leagues.”

An all-day celebration will continue with family fun and entertainment planned for the day such as bounce houses, free popcorn, face painters, balloons, stilt walkers and a carnival ride for all to enjoy. In addition, snacks and drinks will be available to purchase at the concession stand.

The City of Lynn Haven Sports Complex originally opened in the early 2000s to provide recreational opportunities to the community by hosting youth and adult sports leagues and various family activities. Through the years, the complex has undergone several renovations and upgrades to help improve its amenities and maintain its prestige.

As the city begins to welcome the community back to the new ball fields, Ward said there is much more to be added in the coming months.

“We’re bringing state-of-the-art recreation to our sports complex,” Ward said. “This is only the beginning of a long-awaited journey and we hope to have everyone come out and celebrate with us.”

In addition to the five new ball fields, new amenities will include two outdoor basketball courts, four outdoor pickleball courts, three multipurpose fields for football and soccer, five batting cages, a playground and a gymnasium with two indoor basketball courts.

Ward said he anticipates the completion of the entire facility near the end of summer.

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Source: Panama City, The News Herald
https://www.newsherald.com/story/news/local/2023/03/01/lynn-haven-sports-complex-to-reopen-ballpark-and-host-spring-opening/69948149007/

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