Kraft Memorial Field in Grand Forks, North Dakota, stood as a testament to the community’s spirit and dedication to the sport of baseball for over 35 years. Originally named after the late University of North Dakota (UND) Baseball Coach Harold “Pinky” Kraft, Kraft Memorial Field was established in 1986 through a joint effort between UND and the Grand Forks Park District, resulting in the creation of a new state-of-the-art baseball facility. However, by the early 2020s, it was clear that the field needed a facelift to continue serving its purpose and meeting modern experiences now expected by spectators and athletes alike. Its worn bleachers and weathered appearance told stories of countless UND and youth baseball games, and even some short-lived minor-league baseball seasons, but fell short in remaining state-of-the-art.
The renovation project began as a glimmer of hope for the local youth baseball community that cherished the field’s rich history but desperately sought an upgrade. Planning started in 2019 with the Grand Forks Park District, where local leaders and youth baseball representatives gathered to discuss the future of Kraft Memorial Field. The project vision aimed to preserve the field’s character while modernizing its facilities, creating an environment that honored the past and celebrated the future.
Many fields invest more than is ever retained back, which can make stadiums, especially small venues, difficult and expensive to fund. Even so, the Grand Forks Park District kept the spirit of Kraft Memorial Field alive, understanding its importance to the community. Through careful allocation and budgeting, JLG Architects maximized return on investment, supplementing for loss and ensuring the field’s durability and resiliency, with minimal upkeep. Adam Davidson, JLG’s Principal Architect, views the project as a creative balance of architecture and management:
“It could have been as simple as specifying a pre-manufactured grandstand system and a little shed support building, then call it a day. What we [JLG Architects] were able to do within the budget was create an environment and experience that is truly authentic, inspiring, and beautiful.” JLG Architect’s Nic Pietron, Project Architect, describes the stadium as “a statement piece. Material selection was on point. The community, as I can see loves it.”
The new design features ergonomic spectator seating with ADA-compliant spaces, overhead canopy protection, improved changing rooms, greater field and athlete storage, and a much larger and elevated press box.
“Announcing games, keeping stats, and broadcasting [is now located in] a much better environment,” says Davidson, describing the enhanced features and setup. “Overall, if you’re operating, spectating, or using it in terms of the team or baseball, it’s just greatly improved in all aspects of the sport. While it may not be the largest ballpark, I think it’s going to be one of the nicest ballparks in the state.”
The renovated stadium’s presence as a legacy of baseball echoes from the front entrance, leading individuals down a pedestrian path in line with home base. As the stadium opens, the welcoming atmosphere guides guests to both the grandstand and concessions patio area. Everything is intuitive for baseball regulars and newcomers alike. In the first few steps, the atmosphere enhances the newly renovated environment to maximize space, needs, and aesthetics.
With a revamped presence, the field’s celebratory existence builds momentum for youth baseball organizations in the community to do more to enhance and accelerate the sport. As a stepping stone for more, Grand Forks Park District continues to achieve its goal of enhancing, growing, and strengthening the quality of life and resources that support this vision. Grand Forks is honoring a higher quality of life for all members of its community, building on Kraft Field’s legacy and the future of Oxford Sports Complex.
George Hellyer, Executive Director of Grand Forks Parks, analyzes the conceptual redesign: “From start to finish, our staff and user groups really enjoyed working with JLG. Their creative process and overall design made the entire redesign process a wonderful experience.”
By late summer 2024, the renovation was complete, including the addition of a new artificial turf infield that promised to withstand the harsh North Dakota winters and provide a consistent playing surface throughout the year. This new turf would not only enhance the performance of athletes but also reduce maintenance costs and extend the field’s usability. The grand reopening was a celebration packed with residents, former athletes, and local dignitaries who had waited eagerly for this moment. The first game on the new field was a baseball matchup that brought together old friends and new faces. The crowd cheered loudly as the players took to the newly installed turf and the newly renovated complex.
The revitalized Kraft Memorial Field now stands as a vibrant symbol of Grand Forks’ resilience and community spirit. A place where new memories can be made, built on the legacy of those who had walked the field before. The renovation project has succeeded in its mission: to honor the past while celebrating a bright future.
