City Approves Bid for Soccer Fencing

McKENZIE (July 24) — Fencing was approved for the new Mulberry Soccer Field during a special called meeting of the McKenzie Mayor and Council on July 24 at 10 a.m.

The Board considered bids for both black and galvanized fencing, at various heights to enclosed the newly built soccer fields.

All-Star Fencing/Owens Construction was the successful bidder at $46,384 for 2,640 linear feet of black fencing at 5 feet tall. The fencing will surround all the soccer fields including the regulation size and the junior-sized soccer fields.

Mayor Ryan Griffin said he hopes the fencing and fields will be ready in time for a September ribbon cutting.

This is part of Phase 1 of the project, which converted Mulberry Park’s aging baseball and softball field into a soccer complex.

Other anticipated upgrades include:

Bathroom Renovations: A men’s group from First Baptist will provide labor for renovations; the project will only cover material costs. Republic Allegion is donating three new steel doors. Hand dryers will be installed instead of paper towel dispensers.

Soccer Fields: Backstop nets are needed for the large field (estimated at $15,000–$16,000) and two smaller fields (estimated at $12,000). Large soccer goals are also required, with an estimated cost of $4,000–$5,000 each.

Basketball Courts: Plans include resurfacing, relining, and increasing the number of goals from two to four. A tall perimeter fence around the courts was also proposed.

Other Items: Signage, benches, security lighting, poles, cameras, and additional gravel for parking lots are included in the plan.

Items for future phases were briefly mentioned.

A scoreboard and lighting for the large field are planned for a later phase.

Renovations to the walking trail to meet ADA compliance are part of a grant application, with funding potentially available next year.

The motion was made by Councilman Bobby Young and seconded by Councilman Drew Beeler to accept All-Star Fencing’s bid. The vote was unanimous with Tom Alexander, Tim McBride, and Jessie Townes approving. Carol Armpriest was absent.