The Macon-Bibb County Commission voted on Tuesday, December 16, to approve funding for long-awaited improvements to Softball Field No. 7 at Carolyn Crayton Park, clearing the way for renovations and new lighting that will bring the field back into use.

Commissioners approved two related agreements as part of the project. One covers the purchase and installation of new lighting at the field, while the other focuses on renovations and repairs needed to bring the existing softball field up to current standards.

Once complete, the upgrades will allow Softball Field No. 7 to host games and larger tournaments that are not currently possible. Although the field already exists, it has not been in use because it does not meet tournament standards. Recreation officials say these improvements will change that.

“This is going to be a game changer,” said Recreation Department Director Robert Walker. “These upgrades will allow us to host bigger and better tournaments, bring more teams to Macon, and make better use of a field that hasn’t been able to reach its full potential.”

These renovations will be funded through the 2018 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) and are expected to cost a total of $960,932.