Soccer is the word in Morgan County parks.

A few years ago, District 1 Commissioner Jeff Clark built a football field in North Park in Priceville, only to convert it to three soccer fields to meet demand. Now District 2 Commissioner Randy Vest is overseeing the construction of a new soccer field in Sparkman West Park in Hartselle that will hopefully be ready before the end of the year.

“Soccer is one of the fastest growing sports here,” County Parks and Recreation Director Bruce Lackey said. “Three of our teams won tournaments this year.”

Money is being spent on significant upgrades in Hartselle and District 4’s Brindlee Mountain Park, and the recreation department is readying the parks for the warm months.

Lackey said visitors use walking trails more than any other amenity, even in winter, and the trails require constant attention.

Workers will build a new pavilion, install playground equipment, expand the parking lot and remodel the concession stand and restrooms in West Park. Vest said the upgrades are still in the planning stages.

“We’ve got an architect on it,” he said. “The next thing is to bid it out.”

District 4 Commissioner Greg Abercrombie said a ballpark will be built at Brindlee Mountain Park.

Fifty-five youth baseball teams and 35 youth softball teams are signed up to play ball on county parks. Baseball season will start April 1, and softball starts April 9.

Plans call for fencing and a new concession stand and press box at Brindlee Mountain. Walker Brothers Ltd.’s bid of $287,000 for construction was accepted in February. The commission also paid about $700 for bid advertisement.

North Park was annexed into Priceville last month so residents and businesses near the future site of the new Priceville High School could annex into the city and the high school could be hooked up to city utilities. Clark said parking lot improvements at the park will begin in the summer.

Ben Montgomery can be reached at 256-340-2445 or ben@decaturdaily.com.