The City of Melbourne has announced that Sherwood Park's softball field will close in September for renovations. The closure is part of a planned upgrade to the park's facilities, which officials say will improve access and safety for users. The exact timeline for the project is not yet available, but city staff will provide updates as work begins. City officials confirmed the decision during a recent public meeting, where residents expressed mixed reactions. Some praised the move as long overdue, while others worried about the impact on local leagues and families who use the field. The park, located at 1234 Pine Street, has been a community staple for decades, hosting games, tournaments, and family events. The softball field is one of several areas at Sherwood Park that will undergo improvements. City engineers are still finalizing designs for the project, which is expected to include new fencing, resurfaced dugouts, and updated drainage systems. Funding for the work comes from a 2023 capital improvement budget, which allocated $1.2 million for park upgrades across the city. Residents can expect disruptions during construction, including temporary closures of adjacent parking areas and reduced access to the park's western trails. The city has not yet set a reopening date for the field, but officials said the goal is to complete the work by the start of the 2025 softball season. For now, city staff are asking users to check the Melbourne Parks website for the latest information.