A 20-year project is entering its final stage in East Butler.

The East Butler Baseball Association has begun Phase I of its outfield wall project at Speed-O Field, which will build a 20-foot high wall from the left-field to right-field foul poles of the American Legion, Colt and Pony League baseball park.

"We're always looking to change and improve things," said East Butler American Legion manager Dess Schnur. "This wall is something the kids will be excited about.

"It will cut down on the number of home runs hit there. It will force outfielders to learn how to play caroms off the wall. It will increase the fun in the game."

Material costs alone for the wall figure to approach $10,000. The organization plans to pay for the wall with the sale of advertising billboards to be displayed on the wall.

The price of the billboards — available in sizes of 5 x 10 feet and 10 x 10 feet — includes their design and construction. Signs will be displayed for five years for the one-time donation.

Billboard prices range from $750 to $1,800.

"We've already sold seven of them," Schnur said. "We need to sell 25 to complete the first phase."

The first phase of the wall project is the construction of the wall from the left-field foul pole out to left-center field. That portion of the wall is scheduled for completion in time for opening day May 1.

The organization plans to have the entire wall completed within three years.

"This is the final part of a 20-year renovation of Speed-O Field," Schnur said. "It's been a work in progress."

The organization was formed in 1952 and consisted of four Little League teams. The association now consists of eight leagues and 25 teams for players ranging in age from 5 to 19.

The East Butler Baseball Complex has four fields with about 2,000 Butler County players playing 350 games each year.

"Our estimation is that 10,000 fans attend park activities there annually," Schnur said. "When we got that property (in 1957), it was a hillside. We had nothing."

The current 20-year renovation plan began in 1989 and consisted of the following now-completed projects: A new T-Ball field, extending and replacing outfield fences, a new Pony League and Legion field, a new backstop, restrooms, 7,000 tons of hillside landscaping, new parking lots, a field lighting system, construction of a pavilion and new concession stand.

Schnur said he visited some old ballparks down south to get a feel for the type of wall that should be built.

"Those old parks give you a country-time baseball feeling," he said. "We want to create more excitement. To be a successful youth baseball organization today, you have to show creativity and make the effort to improve things.

"Parents today want the best for their kids."

For a completed billboard to be ready by May 1, graphics and payment must be in by April 15. Those interested can call Schnur at 724-285-1620, Scott Pettit at 724-283-8984, Carl Hays at 724-285-8742, George White at 724-285-1945 or James Wobb at 724-285-1945.

Schnur emphasized the wall will be built regardless of the number of billboards sold.

"Sometimes people have to see to believe," he said. "They'll want to be a part of this."