A New Chapter for a Forgotten Field
The Bennett School District recently removed the last of the aging light poles that once illuminated its former baseball field, clearing the way for a series of community‑focused redevelopment ideas.
The field, which has sat largely unused since the high school closed its doors in 2005, was brought into the spotlight this winter when one of the poles collapsed on its own, prompting an accelerated removal effort.
District officials have been discussing the site’s future for more than a year, weighing options that range from a simple green space with a walking path and prairie restoration to more active amenities such as pickleball courts, event venues and a dog park.
Community feedback gathered at recent meetings has highlighted the desire for a versatile, environmentally friendly area that could also serve as an outdoor classroom, offering science students a living laboratory for ecology and biology.
While no final plan has been adopted, district leaders say the next phase will involve additional public meetings to refine the vision and secure funding before any construction begins.
The process reflects a broader effort to repurpose underused school properties across the region, turning them into assets that serve both students and residents.