Needham’s Park and Recreation Commission has authorized up to $75,000 to design an artificial turf infield at Memorial Park, where drainage problems have disrupted baseball practices and games.

The Oct. 7 decision allows design work to proceed using the commission’s revolving fund. Construction remains subject to future funding approval, Needham Local reported.

The estimated construction cost is $626,000. Needham Baseball & Softball has offered $325,000 toward the work, with acceptance of the conditional donation requiring approval from the commission and Select Board.

The proposal comes as the town prepares for a potential loss of playing space during the Pollard Middle School project. Warner Field at DeFazio Park could become a construction staging area beginning in March 2028, increasing demand on Memorial and Walker-Gordon, the town’s other full-size baseball diamonds.

The school project and associated field disruption remain contingent on approvals. Earlier reporting described Warner’s closure as five years but listed a potential return to play in April 2032, leaving the precise duration unclear.

NBS President Dave Volante has urged officials to improve Memorial before Warner becomes unavailable. He told the commission that wet conditions repeatedly force teams to find another field, according to Needham Local.

The proposed design would replace the infield surface and extend turf through the home plate and dugout areas. The outfield would remain grass. Commissioners favored that approach over a grass renovation estimated at $125,000.

Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Hannah Corrigan said turf could reduce maintenance demands and help teams get onto the field earlier in the season. Deputy Town Manager Liz LaRosee cautioned that the drainage work included in the construction estimate would not resolve flooding throughout Memorial Park.

Officials anticipate seeking construction funding through the fiscal year 2028 capital budget, with consideration at Town Meeting in May 2027. The design authorization does not guarantee that funding.

Separately, Parks and Forestry Superintendent Tim Carpenter has proposed $40,000 to $60,000 for routine upkeep across town fields. Officials are also discussing broader drainage improvements at Memorial Park.