CANARYVILLE — A new concession stand is just one of the improvements coming to the Canaryville Little League ballpark this summer.
The league, which has more than 500 players signed up for the third year in a row, has spent more than $550,000 over last eight years on updates to the park, which league officials hope will last for decades.
"We wanted to make the little league experience to be as close to an MLB experience as possible," league president John Kozlar said.
The goal for the larger concession stand will be greater efficiency with updated amenities like direct water lines and a steam table for hot dogs. A new press box will be used to announce players' names as they go up to bat. Other improvements include a new dugout, a new equipment room, an upper deck for fans to watch the games and new bathrooms.
This year's improvements will cost about $150,000.
Kozlar said the existing concession stand has been demolished and construction should take four to six weeks once the league receives its building permit. He said the updates should be completed by June or July.
A temporary concession stand will be used until then.
With 15 games a week, the concession stand attracts players — there are 31 teams this year — their families and neighborhood residents. It brings in around $50,000 in the summer months, which goes back to benefit the league.
"People don't realize when they go and buy a hot dog, the funds go right back into the little league," Kozlar said.
The league's 2017 Opening Day is Saturday.
A parade will kick off at 10 a.m. on Root Street adjacent to Taylor-Lauridsen Park, 704 W. 42nd St., and end at theballpark, 455 W. 45th Place. After the opening ceremony with a balloon release, games begin at 11:30 a.m.
