Veterans Park is truly one of Hastings’ hidden gems. During the summer, the complex sees a variety of
visitors, from the few early morning dog walkers and employees getting some exercise on their lunch breaks,
to Pokémon Go players and, of course, hundreds of athletes and their families who participate in practices,
games and tournaments there all summer long.
The 44-year-old facility is definitely due for a major overhaul, as it had not changed much since its first season
of operation in 1982, until recently, that is. In 2015, the Hastings Hawks took on the biggest project since the
addition of the concession stand in 1999 when they spearheaded the construction of the now 11-year-old press
box.
Since the addition of the press box, the facility has seen new batting cages and the replacement of the 25-year-
old scoreboard, with funding for those projects provided by the Hawks, Hastings Youth Athletic Association
and the City of Hastings. In 2022, research began on an expansion and remodel of the baseball field concession
stand. That research turned into planning in 2023, with funding secured and approvals from both the City of
Hastings and the State of Minnesota coming in 2024.
The plan was to completely replace the roof and any other materials needed on the existing structures,
including the soffit and fascia on both the equipment shed and concession stand. Those repairs had been badly
needed for the last few years. During the process, the roof ventilation was also replaced, improving the overall
temperature control inside the building.
Along with the roof repairs, the building was extended 20 feet to the north. The expansion included a new
ADA-compliant service window, a brand-new commercial triple sink, improved plumbing, new refrigeration
and freezer space, and considerably more room for food preparation and storage.
The majority of the work was completed in 2025 while the Hawks board continued operating out of the
existing space during construction. The building was completed before the snow fell in 2025, allowing the
Hawks to put the finishing touches on the space before the 2026 season began.
The final pieces of the puzzle fell into place during the first half of 2026. The stand passed its Department of
Agriculture inspection without any issues and was approved to open for the season. The front patio extension
and replacement were completed in June, and the final addition, gutters, was completed last week.