By Quinn O’Hara

The Clay Center Department of Recreation will soon be installing a new sprinkler system at the Ballfields in the Clay County Fairgrounds.

Recreation Department Superintendent Patrick Hayes said the project has been in the works for several years but required some additional funds in the department’s budget. However, after receiving a lower-than-expected bid, Hayes said they can finally move forward with the project.

Hayes said the installation of the eight sprinkler systems is planned to begin in August

Hayes said the project will install sprinklers in each of the five baseball fields at the Clay County Fairgrounds. Campbell Field, Montel Field, and Schaulis Field will receive sprinkler systems as well.