Prior Lake Veterans Field at Memorial Park

HISTORY

Prior Lake was a Village from 1891 to June 1, 1921, when the City was formally incorporated.   For over 60 years, the Prior Lake community has supported amateur baseball, the Prior Lake Lakers.  The Lakers comprised older members.  In the 1960s, a new team (The J’s) was created for younger members.  It was named J’s as it was primarily juniors from the local high school team.  Home Juice Company sponsored them.  The J’s growth included a greater variety of ages, and the name was changed to the “Jays.” They were highly successful yet disbanded in 1976.

Eleven years later, a small group of baseball enthusiasts and several local businesspeople partnered to sponsor amateur baseball.  The “new” Prior Lake Jays were supported by over 70 initial sponsors.  The formation resulted in the “Jay” bird logo.  They were a Class B team.  In 1991, the Prior Lake Mudcats were created to provide a Class C team and provide playing opportunities for more players.  

A search found that in addition to the Jays and Mudcats, Memorial Field also is home to the following teams:

• Prior Lake Laker Legion
• Prior Lake Mariners (35 and over)
• Prior Lake Bald Eagles (50 and over)
• Prior Lake Balder Eagles (60 and over)

MY EXPERIENCE

Parking—The field has two parking lots and on-street parking options.  About half the 60-space primary parking lot north of the field is at risk for foul balls, while the 32-space parking lot west of the field is well protected.  A portion of Memorial Trail SE just north of the field allows on-street parking.  All the parking is near the field entrance.  If there is an exceptionally large attendance, about 1/4 mile southwest is the La Ola Del Lago at Grainwood School, where parking is available.

Spectator Options—The spectator options include about 16 traditional stadium-style seats along the home plate backstop, flanked by several benches. Behind the home plate is a large covered bleacher section that could provide over 150 seats. There are patios with standing tables along the first and third base lines where a folding chair could be placed.  Due to the age of the field, the lighting is traditional lighting, which has more glare and playing impacts than the newer LED lighting I viewed at newer fields.  

Concessions—(I prefer a hotdog with a root beer)—The hotdog and condiments are typical for most small-town baseball events. As usual, A&W Root Beer was enjoyed. The popcorn was the same as all other fields.

SUMMARY COMMENTS

The $3 admission, $2 hot dog, $1 soda, and $2 popcorn provided a delightful outing for $8. Even though there is a major road to the East, it is not noticed due to the topography. The tree growth along the outfield provides a small-town feel. The outfield fence is not an arc. It is varied to match the topography and adjacent sport court.

Based on the crowd, it appears the teams have a solid fan base and made the game enjoyable!