Sports Complex upgraded with synthetic turf

Published on March 31, 2023

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The on-field experience for ball players in Jackson County just keeps getting better. This time with the installation of synthetic turf at Frank White, Jr. Sports Complex.

The improvement project included removal of the existing aglime and the installation of new synthetic turf on five infields. The project also includes five newly installed LED wireless scoreboards. More than 2,000 games will be hosted this year at the park between adult softball leagues, adult softball tournaments, boys baseball tournaments and girls fastpitch softball tournaments.  

The installation of synthetic turf completes a comprehensive capital improvement project at the park that began in 2016 when County Executive White assumed office. Since 2016, the following improvements have been made:

  • Installation of new dugouts and dugout benches (2016)
  • Fence updates, including added height to the back stops to accommodate boys’ baseball (2016)
  • Installation of shade structures over each set of bleachers (2016)
  • Installation of new batting tunnel (2016)
  • Installation of new concrete around each backstop, bleacher area and dugout (2016)
  • Installation of new bleachers (2018)
  • Installation of a new LED Musco lighting system (2022)
  • Installation of new LED wireless scoreboards (2023)
  • Installation of synthetic turf (2023)

Jackson County Parks + Rec marked the occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony March 5 on Field 3 of the complex.

Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr, said “As the namesake of this facility, I am extremely excited about upgrading the player experience to ensure fun and safe fields for athletes. I’d like to thank our Parks + Rec Department for their visionary leadership and Mid-America Sports for successfully executing this project that will maintain our standing as one of the best places to play in our area.”

In 1989, the Jackson County Legislature renamed the complex after County Executive White in recognition of outstanding baseball career with the Kansas City Royals and his contributions to the community.