Alton Youth League raises over $70K to replace their version of famed 'Green Monster'

ALTON — The Alton Youth League impressed the selectboard with their fundraising efforts — to the tune of more than $73,000 — to replace the aging left field wall at Baggaley-Moulton Field, an homage to the Green Monster at Boston's Fenway Park. The board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 26, to move the project forward.

Christi Wood, treasurer for the Alton Youth League, met with the selectboard on May 12, and told them the nonprofit organization raised $73,407.56 for the new wall at the baseball diamond at the Jones Field Recreation Area.

She said the project has taken many hours of planning and fundraising, and is something that will continue to bring pride to Alton.

“Over 30 years ago, a committed group of volunteers raised the money for, and built, a wooden fence replica of the famed Green Monster of Fenway Park, here at Jones Field,” Wood said. “Since then, kids have aspired to hit one over the Green Monster, and out of the park. We’ve had a couple successful kids do that, but unfortunately, time and environmental exposure have taken its toll on the fence.”

Wood said rather than a chain-linked fence replacement, it was important for the Alton Youth League to keep the spirit of the original wall, to “keep our ball field unique, for locals and visitors alike.”

Wood chose instead a fence system they thought replicated the high solid wall the best, pointing to a “champion wall” chosen due to its 50-year lifespan, five-year limited warranty, ease of maintenance and replacement, and of course, its color.

“The company also provides everything from fabrication through delivery, to installation,” Wood said. “We did run into some problems finding contractors that could install similar systems. This is the entire package.”

The champion wall runs 150 feet from left field toward centerfield, with a cost of $66,307.56. The league is also conducting a geotechnical survey to ensure stability, by Terracon, of Manchester, for a price of $6,700. Private utility locating will also be another $400.

“The Alton Youth League has fundraised and scraped every penny together to make that happen with your blessing,” Wood said.

The league is requesting assistance from several town departments, including the water department, to open an access road for testing, for one day, at the convenience of department staff. Public works staff are also being called upon to assist in the demolition and removal of the wood wall.

This would take place starting Oct. 12, after fall baseball season.

“It would push everything out to later this fall for demo and install,” Wood told the board. “So, we would probably shoot to have the installation done at the end of October, or early November.”

Selectboard member Richard Shea said he is sure everyone is impressed with the fundraising capabilities and generosity of the program. He also joked whoever has been hitting balls over the wall should be sent down to Boston to help the struggling Red Sox squad.

Wood said currently, along the 8-by-150-foot wall, there is a 75-foot section, with a 4-foot chain link fence above it, to catch balls, which could be removed safely to add to the new wall. Staff of the Alton Public Works Department confirmed they will be able to take down the wall, and also move the chain-link section.

Chair Paul LaRochelle motioned to hold the public hearing. The selectboard happily agreed, with Drew Carter saying, “absolutely yes.” The consensus received applause from the audience, as Wood wore a big smile.

“Good work,” LaRochelle said. “Very well organized.”

The public hearing will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26.