Renovations at Vicksburg High School’s softball field will be moving into the next phase in the coming weeks, VHS coach Brian Ellis told Port City Kiwanis this week.

The softball team, parents and volunteers began working to restore the field on Army Navy Drive in October, and with most of the field work done, lights and a press box are in the way, he said

“Our goal is to have the press box and lights done by the end of May,” Ellis said.

Recent weather caused a mudslide and forced the removal of a section of outfield fence, he said. Plans are in the works to shore up the hillside and improve draining in the area around the field.

The team has received a number of donations from residents and businesses and work from City of Vicksburg crews, Ellis said.

“Through fundraising, we’ve done about $20,000,” he said. “The city has been awesome for us. They’ve done a lot of stuff for us.”

Ellis has estimated the total cost to be about $49,000 without the lighting and with volunteer help to replace paid labor.

Ellis, who came to Vicksburg last August, and has been in charge of several ball field renovations.

At his previous job in Missouri, Ellis oversaw the restoration of his school’s baseball and softball facilities. He is also working closely with VHS baseball coach Ryan Grey, who is also trying to renovate the field.