The South Dakota State Amateur Baseball Tournament is set to take place in Mitchell at Cadwell Park from August 5 through August 16, drawing teams and fans from across the region.
City officials have confirmed that the 13th Avenue roadway providing access to the park will remain open for tournament traffic, even as crews continue sewer drainage work nearby.
To maintain safe passage, temporary gravel surfacing will be laid at the intersection of 13th Avenue and Minnesota Street during the event, ensuring a stable surface for vehicles.
Road work will be paused briefly during peak tournament hours to allow uninterrupted vehicle access, with crews resuming full activity after the event to complete the project by November.
Infrastructure upgrades beneath the surface
The ongoing sewer drainage installation involves laying new water, sewer, and storm sewer lines that stretch from the park’s pond to Wisconsin Street and behind Drake Field.
The newly installed storm sewer system is designed to channel smaller volumes of rainwater toward Sanborn Boulevard, a move intended to lessen flooding risks in low‑lying areas.
Public Works staff, including Terry Johnson, will monitor the performance of the new storm systems after completion, assessing how they handle future rain events and measuring any reduction in groundwater pressure.
While the project aims to lower groundwater levels and ease the burden on household sump pumps, officials note that the full impact will become clearer over time as the infrastructure settles.