Softball Field Rentals

For many years, Midland has been known as “the softball capital of Michigan,” which refers to the city’s rich history of softball; especially men’s fast pitch softball. Club teams such as the Dow AC’s in the 50’s, Nick’s in the 60’s and more recently the Explorers have continued to further the sport and its importance in Midland.

Perhaps the most recognizable of Midland’s facilities is Currie Stadium, located in Emerson Park, donated to the City by Gilbert A. Currie in the 40’s, Currie Stadium is one of the most visible community stadiums in the country. Host to national and international tournaments in its prosperous history, Currie Stadium continues to be the premiere facility for men’s fast pitch softball.

Field Dimensions

Emerson Park	Optimist Park	Redcoats Complex
1300 W. Main, 48460	821 Waldo Ave., 48642	605 Whitman Dr., 48640
3 Fields; Fence distances at 250', 280' and 290'	4 Fields; Fence distances at 175' and three fields at 200'	10 Fields; Fence distances at 275' (two fields) and 300' (eight fields)

HOURS OF OPERATION

Midland City Fields are open from 8 a.m. – 11 p.m., April 15 – October 15

GENERAL INFORMATION

Permits are required for any entity seeking the exclusive use of any softball fields owned by the City of Midland.
Restroom availability: Emerson Park and New Redcoat Complex (fields 9-13) have indoor restrooms facilities; Old Redcoat Complex (fields 4-8) has 5 portable restroom units; Optimist Park (22-25) has indoor restrooms.
Permit only assures use of the specified field(s) and not exclusive use of the park.
The facility rental permit must be carried with the permit holder at all times during the event.
BEER AND WINE ARE THE ONLY ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ALLOWED IN CITY PARKS.

RENTAL FEES

Please note that ALL organizations and clubs who utilize prepared and maintained fields will be charged a field usage fee to recover the cost of staff and materials. Any party is able to use unmarked fields when not in use by the City of Midland or another reserved event on a first-come first-serve basis.

FIELD PREPARATION

Field preparation is based upon the request of the organization. It is up to the sponsoring organization to request the frequency in which fields are prepared. Sponsoring organizations can also request additional services on the day of the event however they are not guaranteed depending on the availability of the staff and resources.

SCHEDULE

A final schedule MUST be provided to the Parks and Recreation Department at least one (1) week in advance in order to schedule staff. We will not be able to accommodate schedules received less than one (1) week in advance. In order to accommodate regularly scheduled MSA league play, rentals must be finished no later than 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoons and 2 p.m. on weekdays.

STAFF

Each organization must provide a tournament director as a contact for the Parks and Recreation staff.

SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT

Parks and Recreation does not provide coolers or water. This is at the discretion of your organization.

UMPIRES

Umpires are not provided by Parks and Recreation. If an organization wants to utilize ASA sanctioned umpires they must contact the local Umpire-In-Chief. Email Jason Gehoski to request umpires and make payment arrangements. Based on umpire availability, umpires cannot be guaranteed for events.

PAYMENT

The organization representative will receive an invoice for City services after completion of the event based on the final utilization of staff and resources at the event.

LARGE SCALE EVENTS

Some field rental situations call for approval from the Director of Public Services for large scale events. If your event will host more than 40 teams then it must get approval by the director of public services. Should you wish to charge an entrance fee into the facility/game, additional permission will be needed from the Public Services Director.