Bell's Hill Park Baseball Field is Getting a Makeover

Last updated on July 17, 2024 at 08:00 AM

Bell’s Hill Park is getting a makeover! The Bobcat Company has teamed up with their brand ambassador Chip Gaines and the National Recreation and Park Association for a $100,000 baseball field renovation. Thanks to a generous contribution from Bobcat, Bell’s Hill Park will receive a new dirt baseball field, concrete walkways, dugouts, and bleachers.

Work Hard. Play Hard.

On Tuesday, June 16, Chip Gaines, Bobcat, City of Waco staff, and the community came together to celebrate the baseball field's refresh with a fun game. Following the game, the real work began with the demolition of the dugout by Chip. Work continued throughout the day with the dragging and striping of the field, installation of the bases and limestone blocks, painting of the foul poles, tree plantings and more.  

Bell’s Hill Park is the kickoff project to launch a nationwide community renovation contest where another parks and recreation department will win a $100,000 transformation for one of their parks or sports facilities. The Waco launch was designed to inspire communities to see the potential in their local park and recreation spaces.

Waco was selected to launch the contest because of Bobcat’s partnership with Chip Gaines. The Bell’s Hill Park baseball field was chosen among a few parks in Waco based on need, its 80-year legacy, and its future integration with Floyd Casey Park.

Huge thank you to the Bobcat Company, Chip Gaines, and the National Recreation and Park Association for their investment in the Waco community.

About Bell's Hill Park

Bell’s Hill Park has a history dating back to the late 19th century. In March 1886, Joseph D. Bell drilled Waco’s first artesian well, and the neighborhood that grew around it naturally became Bell’s Hill. In 1940, the Cameron family, now known for their contributions to Cameron Park, generously donated approximately seven acres of land along Waco Creek, spanning from 23rd to 25th Street. The City of Waco used this gift to create a community park, officially opening Bell’s Hill Park in mid-October 1941. Bell’s Hill Park became a recreational hub for the neighborhood, featuring green spaces, a playground, softball field, wading pool, and various sports activities.

Over the decades, the park has benefited from a variety of improvements by the City, local donations, and federal funding, including bleachers for the softball field, park equipment, and restroom facilities. Today, Bell’s Hill Park remains a neighborhood staple offering a playground, paved walking trail, picnic tables, an outdoor fitness station and a rustic amphitheater.

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