Pocono News Section

Little League Unveils New Addition

Little League Unveils New Addition - Friday, May 15, 2009 at 11:31AM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Friday, May 15, 2009 @ 11:31am EST
South Williamsport, Lycoming County-

Officials at Little League International are ready to play ball with the opening of their newly renovated administration building.

They believe they’ve hit a home run with this one. They recently unveiled a $5.6 million, 13,000 square foot addition to their facilities.

They say it was necessary because they’d simply run out of space.

Little League International spokesman Chris Downs explained, “With the additional staff and refinement of various departments of little league international, with the intent of serving our constituents better, we needed more room to work.”

The new wing includes expanded space for mail services and the shipping and receiving department.

The entire building is also now more eco-friendly. Check out the lights that operate automatically as you enter and leave each room.

Heating and cooling systems were also upgraded, and the addition was designed to fit well with the existing complex.

Downs noted, “We tried to make sure it’s something that anyone who comes in feels invited, feels welcome and feels like they’re coming to a professional building, but one that is really based in the community.”

New ramps, elevators, and wider doors ensure the facility is completely handicapped- accessible. There’s also a new TV studio, and the entire place has wireless internet capability.

Downs said, “I think we’re reaching out to many more platforms than we were ever capable of before and making our programs so much more accessible to people.”

There’s also additional parking, and a sense of optimism for a great summer of baseball ahead.

Downs added, “Here we are! Just a few weeks away from getting the tournament started and before you know it August will be here and we’re going to be ready. I think we’re looking at another wonderful season.”

And baseball will kick off in South Williamsport over Memorial Day weekend with the 6th annual Urban Initiative Jamboree.

The event will give 10 teams from urban communities around the country the chance to experience the birthplace of Little League baseball.