MARYSVILLE – Playing Little League baseball in Marysville is going to be an entirely different experience this spring.

That’s because the Cedar Field on Cedar Street is getting synthetic turf. The high schoolers don’t even get to play on that.

Along with that, it also is getting LED lighting so there again can be night games. That hasn’t happened the past few years after a storm knocked down one of the light poles.

The city’s goal is to have the work completed by March, just in time for the 2020 Little League season. Little League president Brandy Hurley said, “As a board we are beyond thrilled for the field renovation and have heard nothing but positive comments from our members.”

Total construction cost is $887,997 with nearly half ($425,928) coming from funding partners. They include the state Recreation and Conservation Office ($340,928), county Parks Neighborhood Improvement Fund ($50,000) and Marysville Little League ($35,000). The city is funding the balance of $462,069.

The artificial turf is the first in town outside of the Marysville-Pilchuck High School football stadium. The all-weather, all-season surface will greatly expand the opportunity for playing time on the oldest Little League field in Marysville, city officials said.

“Everybody who grew up in Marysville played on this field,” said Dave Hall, assistant director of Parks, Culture & Recreation. “It’s got some nostalgia. Now it will be open to even more play in the years ahead.”

Hurley said a portable mound will be used so both baseball and softball can be played there.

“We hope to host as many games as possible this season. We will definitely have many night games under the lights, a favorite of kids and parents,” Hurley said.

Hurley said the board hopes registration – which has hovered around 500 the past few years – will increase as a result of the renovation. But it is just one field.

“With 45 teams we will still need to use many other fields in Marysville… We hope to put more resources into the school district fields now,” Hurley said.

Meanwhile, registration is taking place for the baseball and softball seasons for ages 4-16. Coaches also are being sought for all divisions, which include T-ball, Rookies, Farm, AAA, Majors, Juniors and Seniors. For details go to www.marysvillell.org.