Douglas Recreation Commission approves new gym scoreboard funding and Soldiers Field bleacher repairs, and lays groundwork for a fall baseball event.

DOUGLAS -- The Douglas Recreation Commission, meeting July 22, took action on two facility upgrades and began planning a community baseball event tied to a new historical marker at Soldiers Field.

TOWN -- The commission discussed replacing the scoreboard at the Municipal Center gym, describing the current one as old and "not fully functional, mostly functional at this point." The town has secured a $6,000 donation from Unibank toward the project; an initial quote for a replacement came in at $10,860, and staff are seeking additional competitive quotes. The commission voted unanimously to approve up to $5,000 from the recreation department's transfer/donation fund to help cover the cost, with the matter to also go before the Board of Selectmen in August.

Separately, the commission approved a plan to repair the bleachers at Soldiers Field, where one board is missing and another is badly bowed. McGoldrick Property Services volunteered to replace the two boards at no charge and plans to return in two to three months to paint them.

COMMUNITY -- Dawn Fontaine updated the commission on a historical interpretation sign planned for Soldiers Field, calling the design "90% there" with final edits underway to add names and adjust photos and fonts. Installation is expected in about a month. The commission is targeting a public unveiling event the weekend of September 19-20, ahead of the 80th anniversary of a Red Sox-Yankees game on September 26. Early planning discussion included a possible baseball exhibition involving police and fire, a co-ed softball game, a fall-ball game for players ages 13-16, and reaching out to an "old-time baseball" club that plays without gloves. The commission also discussed whether the Soldiers Field concession stand could be stocked for the event and noted that one of the field's smaller diamonds may be under construction this fall.

Compiled from team and league reports, reader submissions, and local coverage.