Carson Park Baseball Stadium Renovation

Carson Park Baseball STADIUM RENOVATION

Building the Future Preserving the Past The Carson Park Baseball Stadium Renovation Project is a collaboration between the City of Eau Claire, the users of the stadium, and YOU, the many supporters of baseball in the Chippewa Valley!

HISTORY OF CARSON PARK In 1914, the land that became Carson Park was donated to the City of Eau Claire by theirs of William Carson and was subsequently named in his honor.

In 1937, the baseball stadium was constructed, and the first game was played on the fourth of May. It was home to the Eau Claire Bears of the Northern League, but it also hosted the American Legion State Tournament.

The Bears would become the Eau Claire Braves in 1954 when the Boston Braves moved to Milwaukee.

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HISTORY OF CARSON PARK Minor League Baseball was played at Carson Park for 25 years!

We have had many MLB greats call this historic stadium home.

Andy Pafko 1940

Hank Aaron 1952

Five time MLB All star

MLB Hall of Famer

Bob Uecker 1956-57

Joe Torre 1960

Best known for being the “voice” of the Milwaukee Brewers

MLB Hall of Famer

In 1962, Minor League Baseball departed and the park did not have a primary tenant until 1971 when the Eau Claire Cavaliers played their first game on June 6th. The “Cavs” continue to play at Carson Park and wil be celebrating their 50th season in 2020!

On June 1, 2005, the summer collegiate Northwoods League debuted the Eau Claire Express at Carson Park. In addition to these two collegiate teams, four local high schools and the American Legion teams call Carson park home. Over 140 games are played on this field every year.

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CURRENT CHALLENGES Carson Park Baseball Stadium has a rich history, but its age is causing many challenges that affect the fans’ and players’ experiences.

Plumbing – The current pipes are dated and usually don’t thaw out until May, which causes the water to remain off far into the spring baseball season. Because of this, there are no indoor restrooms or concessions available during this time.

Restrooms – Currently, there is only one restroom for each gender. The number of stalls in each is sufficient for small events, but portable toilets need to brought in for larger events Bleachers – Behind the first and third base dugouts, the bleachers are dated and are in need of replacement.

Handicap Accessibility – Current seating for people with special needs allows little room for family members to experience the game with their loved ones.

Dugouts – The dugouts are not large enough for most teams, and they don’t provide adequate protection from the elements.

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THE FUTURE Thanks to proposed renovation plans, the future of Carson Park Baseball Stadium is bright! While the renovations will enhance visitor experiences, they will preserve the stadium’s rich history by leaving the grandstand and field unchanged.

FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS Restrooms – New climate controlled restrooms will be available to fans during the entire baseball season.

Concession Stands – Fans will have additional concession stand areas to purchase food and beverages.

Stadium Seating – The bleachers behind the first and third base dugouts will be replaced with individual stadium chairs Handicap Accessibility – The Concourses will be widened in the new seating areas to provide additional handicap accessible seating.

Large Platforms – The seating areas above the first and third base sides will have non-traditional seating, including high top tables and bar rail seating.

Dugouts – Brand new “Big League” dugouts will be expanded and safer for the teams.

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HOW TO HELP Carson Park has been a popular entertainment venue in Eau Claire for over 80 years!

The Carson Park Baseball Stadium Renovation Fund has been established at the Eau Claire Community Foundation and will be accepting tax-deductible donations and pledges for this project.

TO MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION: Online at www.eccfwi.org Or send a check to ECCF/Carson Park, 306 S. Barstow Street, Suite 104 Eau Claire ,WI 54701

If you want to make a gift through an IRA Rollover

or give a stock donation, call the Foundation at 715.552.3801 or email: info@eccfwi.org.

If you have questions regarding the project, please contact a member of the Carson Park Baseball Stadium Fundraising Committee: Mark Faanes – mfaanes@gmail.com Mark McHorney – mchorneymp@yahoo.com Randy Millis – randyrmillis@gmail.com Andy Neborak – aneborak@eauclaireexpress.com Jeff Pippenger – Jeff.Pippenger@eauclairewi.gov Dale Varsho – dvarsho@eauclaireexpress.com

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PLEDGE FORM CARSON PARK BASEBALL STADIUM RENOVATION Yes! I’d like to donate to the Carson Park Baseball Stadium Renovation TITLE (MR., MRS., MS., DR.,)

NAME(S)

BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION IF APPLICABLE STREET ADDRESS

SUITE/APT

CITY/STATE/ZIP BUSINESS PHONE

HOME PHONE

EMAIL

DONATION DONATION ENCLOSED: $ ONLINE DONATION(S): Please visit: www.eccommunityfoundation.org

PLEDGE I (we) pledge a total of $

to be paid annually (min amount is $100 annually).

Over the course of:  3 years

 4 years

 5 years

EMPLOYER MATCHING GIFTS  My (our) employer will match employee contributions.

Name of employer

ACKNOWLEDGMENT  I (we) wish this donation to remain anonymous.

Please use the following name(s) in the "Donor Recognition" opportunities: SIGNATURE ACKNOWLEDGING CONTRIBUTION

SEND FORM Make checks payable and mail to: ECCF - Carson Park

DATE

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