A flurry of improvements is taking shape at the softball complex at Briscoe Park.

A bulk of them are due largely to a $65,000 donation by Carlene Gooden and matching funds provided by the City of Kingfisher.

The upgrades currently taking place - most visibly seen at the easternmost of the three fields on the park’s west end - are part of continued efforts by the Kingfisher Girls Softball Association in recent years to improve every aspect of the facility and experience for players and fans alike.

Several businesses and volunteers have been donating their time and services to revamp the field, which will be dedicated to the George Gooden family.

KGSA board member Brad Wittrock, who is Carlene Gooden’s and the late George Gooden’s grandson, said the organization has received a lot of help with Cimarron Electric Cooperative setting light poles, MMS Construction providing concrete and other work on the field and Top Shelf Fencing & Fabrication doing work on the field’s perimeter…as well as various other contributors.

Many local businesses provide yearly sponsorships at the softball complex as well as community members providing financial donations.

An effort to update the softball complex began several years ago and is steadily making progress. Most recently, the KGSA installed improved dirt surface to the infields, fixed multiple drainage issues at the complex and installed a sprinkler system on the west field to aid the process of improving the grass around the infield.

Ovintiv donated four sheds - one for each of the three playing fields and another larger shed that sits outside the concession/restroom facility. MMS Construction’s Shawn Scammahorn provided the concrete pads for the buildings.

The concession stand has seen upgrades with a new ice machine and new countertops. There are also expanded food selections for spectators once play starts back up.

One of the biggest complaints in years prior was the lack of restrooms, especially when the complex hosted tournaments.

The area has only one restroom for men and another for women.

While that’s still true, the KGSA installed commercial- grade toilets to aid in issues that were experienced during times of frequent use.

The city also had portable restrooms delivered for use, which helped with busy events.

The bulk of the work currently ongoing is on the east field.

A new backstop, much like those at the high school and junior high fields, is being installed.

That’s complete with a concrete base, padded bumpers and new netting.

The dugouts are being replaced and a new, improved fence is being installed around the field.

Wittrock said they hope to also install bullpen areas for pitchers.

The field will soon have lights, which it hasn’t had in the past.

Cimarron Electric installed the poles and Kingfi sher Electric assisted in the wiring.

KGSA not only supports a summer recreational softball league for multiple age groups (including a new t-ball age group this spring), but hosts tournaments on weekends which benefit the community through the businesses they patronize.

The KGSA adopted the strategy two years ago to ask local businesses to be the title sponsor of specific events, thus reducing the entry fees for teams.

That provides added exposure for the sponsoring business, which covers the costs of umpires and trophies, while the lower entry fees attract more teams, noted Jeremy Rowan, KGSA board member.

More teams means more people in Kingfisher.

“When we bring 20-plus teams in for tournaments, it’s filling the hotels and restaurants,” Wittrock said.

“It’s bringing tax dollars into the community and that’s why the city agreed to help.”

Although current City Manager Jim Thomas wasn’t on staff when the city agreed to match funds for the KGSA, he’s fully aware of the benefits.

“It’s always good when the city and a local entity can work together to benefit the entire community,” he said.

In its mission statement, KGSA states: “The KGSA is dedicated to providing organized softball while cultivating a love for the game and building confidence in our female athletes. Through proper guidance, we will develop teamwork, sportsmanship and a knowledge of the game while maintaining a positive, but fun and competitive atmosphere. The KGSA will strive to make a lasting impact in the community of Kingfisher and all the girls involved.”

Donations like that of Gooden, matching funds from the city, contributions from local businesses and untold hours of volunteer work help make the mission statement become reality, Wittrock said.

And, he added, as spring softball is just around the corner, the many upgrades should make for a successful season.

“We want this to be a great facility for everyone and we’re really appreciative to everyone in the community from businesses to volunteers to private donors who are willing to help us make that happen,” Wittrock said.