Historic Gant Stadium receiving much needed improvements

ZANESVILLE — History surrounds Gant Municipal Stadium.

It was built on land given to the city by former slave Nelson T. Gant , and many memories have been made by area athletes on the stadium's diamond.

The historic ties of the facility highlight the reasons why Mayor Don Mason and the City of Zanesville and the Muskingum Valley League Old Timers Association made an effort for upgrades.

The project's major investment was $700,000 for new lights and electrical system. There was also $50,000 for netting on the first base side of the stadium; another $50,000 for a new roof and netting over the bleachers; and $85,000 for new playground equipment, which is scheduled to be installed later this summer.

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Their efforts were recognized on Tuesday with a lighting dedication ceremony as part of Veteran's Appreciation Night before Legion Post 29 and Junior Pioneers played.

"This is very important to the community, not just athletically, but also culturally," Mason said. "The stadium is named for Nelson T. Gant, and it's our responsibility to invest in this place so we can honor his contributions to our city. These updates were needed, and the field is now safe and playable."

Federal ARPA funds from COVID helped with the cost of the lights, while the Straker Foundation, Moyer Foundation, Knights of Columbus Foundation and Dana Lewis also contributed, as new batting cages and new equipment to drag and mow the field were also purchased.

The upgrades have been under discussion for nearly 20 years, noted Pat Bollinger, an Old Timers board member and past president. He has met with different mayors during the past two decades, and when Mason was elected to office, he also wanted to invest in the facility.

Rob Sharrer, the City Treasurer and former City Council member, and Community Development Director Matt Schley also played integral roles in the process, added Mason.

"When Mayor Mason was elected, I asked him about getting new lights, and he said he would get it done," Bollinger said. "Having that grant money and others step up have been really important to this project. We installed the lights before the season, and it's made a big difference. Mayor Mason has come through on his promise to us, and he's a big reason why the stadium is where it's at today."

There are potential projects being looked into, Mason said. The city has plans to improve the West Main Street parking lots and is looking to add an additional field for either adult soccer or flag football at the location.

Mason also said they are looking into the possibility of building a softball field at the location.

Mason said the opportunity to improve an outdoor space for area use met the requirements of the ARPA grant. He looks forward to making the most of the facility and surrounding area.

"We want a healthier community, and getting these improvements will allow people to enjoy the outdoors," Mason said. "This is also a focal point about our athletes. Being involved in athletics teaches you how to build good relationships. Those are things you carry into your life, and we want to give our youth the best opportunities we can."

bhannahs@gannett.com; X: @brandonhannahs

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Historic Gant Stadium receiving much needed improvements