Centre Advances to Transform Estes Field Into Ticketed Entertainment Venue
Council approves application for up to $500,000 in matching grant funding for major improvements to the historic field
T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Local News | Wednesday, September 9, 2026
CENTRE, Ala. — The Centre City Council took an initial step Tuesday toward transforming Estes Field into a ticketed entertainment venue while addressing several other matters involving city facilities, recreation programs and community services.
During its regular meeting on September 8, the council approved a resolution authorizing an application for an Appalachian Regional Commission grant. The funding opportunity would require a 50/50 match and could provide up to $500,000 for improvements to Estes Field.
If the grant is awarded, planned improvements would include upgraded lighting, fencing, and restroom facilities. The project would also address drainage concerns and structural problems with a wall on the property.
Jaunita “JoeBob” Ray and Jeff Sauls, representatives of the Historical Preservation Society of Cherokee County, Alabama, attended the meeting and spoke about the importance of preserving and recognizing the county’s history. Ray provided a brief history of Estes Field, while Sauls discussed the Historical Preservation Society’s future plans.
The council also approved approximately $24,942 in repairs to the city’s pickleball courts. Officials said the rebuilding process will be labor-intensive and costly because of the layer of compacted rock beneath the surface. Funding for the work will be included in the city’s 2026–2027 budget, with the money to be expended after October 1.
A new part-time position within the Parks and Recreation Department was also approved for inclusion in the 2026–2027 budget at an estimated annual cost of $22,000. The employee will operate concessions and assist with coordinating sports programs. The position will pay $13 per hour and will be limited to no more than 32 hours per week.
In other business, the council approved:
$4,648.53 quote for a new door between the accounting clerk’s office and the accounts payable office at City Hall
An agreement with Ladd Environmental to provide engineering services for a proposed parking lot at the Mary George Jordan Waite Community Center at an estimated cost of $11,000
A $1,683 quote to repaint Street Department utility work-bed Truck No. 32
An annual budgeted donation of $1,200 to the CED Mental Health Center
An annual budgeted donation of $7,500 to the Cherokee County Health and Rehabilitation Center for the Cherokee County Nutrition and Rural Transportation Program
A measure declaring the city’s old Christmas garland as surplus property
Council members also discussed plans for the city’s Fall Festival, scheduled for October 3, as well as the possible purchase of a Christmas tree and ornaments for the front lawn of City Hall.
Concept Images: This rendering, presented during the September 8 Centre City Council meeting, shows how the proposed Christmas tree and ornaments could appear on the front lawn of City Hall. (Images courtesy of City of Centre presentation)
A public hearing is scheduled for October 13 at 5:15 p.m. regarding the proposed adoption of the 2015 International Code Council building codes.
The council tabled a proposal concerning updates to fire protection for the Centre Fire Department for further consideration.
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