Susanville deputy city manager Jolene Arredondo updated the City Council on Memorial Park during the August 5 meeting. She focused on progress at Frank Ernaga Field, named after Susanville native and former Chicago Cubs player Frank Ernaga.
The grandstand at Frank Ernaga Field burned down on July 5, 2025. The fire’s cause remains unknown. The city has completed emergency restoration efforts since the fire.
Work finished includes debris removal, field sod repairs, and restoring irrigation and park lighting. The bathroom received new doors, locks, paint, lighting, signs, and electrical upgrades. The concession building got a new roof truss, metal roofing, and fresh paint. The announcer’s booth has new carpet, paint, and a restored PA system. New backstop poles and netting are also in place.
The city plans to rebuild the grandstand and upgrade field lighting, but these projects will go through a public bidding process following procurement policies.
The Memorial Park improvements also cover tennis and pickleball courts, the Lassen Historical Museum, and other identified projects. This update shows the city’s commitment to restoring the park after the fire and improving facilities for community use.
What kind of upgrades would you like to see at Memorial Park? How important is preserving local sports history like Frank Ernaga’s legacy to you?
