A severe thunderstorm ripped through Orangeburg in late July, causing damage downtown and beyond.
It damaged Mirmow Field’s block outfield wall, roofing over a portion of the bleachers and one of the stadium’s light towers.
“We are currently looking at trying to get the wall and the roof areas repaired by October,” Orangeburg Parks and Recreation Director Shawn Taylor said. “We are trying to move real quickly to get those repairs done to get prepared for the upcoming season.”
The Whaley Street baseball field is used by local high school teams, American Legion Post Four and Claflin University.
Insurance adjustors estimate the cost to repair the damage to the field and wall at about $35,000, Taylor said. The city will be responsible for the $5,000 deductible.
The city is still waiting to receive a cost estimate on the lights.
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The storm damage followed several recent upgrades at the field as it observes its 75th anniversary.
Upgrades have included a new press box with heating and air conditioning; a new warning track to provide a safer playing ground; the addition of wall padding to the outfield wall and behind home plate; new electrical lighting in locker rooms, the concession stand and bathrooms; the installation of dugout fencing and fresh paint.
In addition to already completed repairs, the city is planning to upgrade the locker rooms and sound system; add turf in heavily trafficked areas and install LED lighting.
The July 30 storm roared through Orangeburg between 9:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. The microburst packed winds estimated between 60 mph to 70 mph.
It caused damage in downtown Orangeburg at the intersection of Broughton Street and Russell Street. The storm tore the roof off a building and scattered debris on Broughton Street.
The street was closed for a few days for cleanup and for building officials to confirm the structural soundness of downtown buildings.
Contact the writer: gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or 803-533-5551. Check out Zaleski on Twitter at @ZaleskiTD.
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