GATLINBURG, Tenn.—A project to restore Bruce Branam Field, the youth baseball and softball field at Mynatt Park, has been completed by the City of Gatlinburg.
Featuring a state-of-the-art synthetic field by AstroTurf and illuminated by Musco Lighting, the revitalized field is set to serve area youth baseball and softball teams, spanning ages four through middle school.
“The City is honored to unveil the beautifully restored baseball and softball field at Mynatt Park, which is a facility that holds cherished memories for many,” said Gatlinburg City Manager Greg Patterson. “This field embodies a place where the dreams of Gatlinburg’s youth can flourish.”
The Youth Highlanders program, participating in the Smoky Mountain Youth Baseball Association league, will primarily utilize the field. Within the Youth Highlanders’ program are T-Ball, Coach Pitch, and Kid Pitch teams, all contributing players who eventually join the Gatlinburg-Pittman Junior High and High School baseball and softball teams.
“The City of Gatlinburg has been incredibly supportive of the growth of youth baseball and softball,” Dr. Kristin Reilly, who is the director and founder of the Youth Highlanders program. “The Mynatt Park Field represents a place the young players can call home. We look forward to many years of playing on this field with our community supporting us from the stands.”
Originally constructed when Mynatt Park opened in 1974, the field was temporarily removed as part of the Mynatt Park Renovations Project in 2021. However, community feedback gathered through the Recreation Department’s Comprehensive Master Plan, emphasized the necessity of restoring the complex at Mynatt Park. Asphalt paths which were removed for the construction of the field were replaced with concrete paths around the field and additional concrete paths were added providing additional access to LeConte Creek for park visitors.
The City Commission funded the Project during its FY23-24 Budget process and construction began last fall and concluded in April.
“This revitalized space is not just about the game; it is about instilling values of teamwork, perseverance, and community spirit in our youth,” Gatlinburg Mayor Mike Werner said. “This field will stand as a beacon of opportunity, where each pitch and swing of the bat showcases the City’s commitment to fostering a bright future for Gatlinburg's youth."
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