Proposal to turn Papago Park baseball field into training facility approved for recommendation

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - A proposal to turn baseball fields at Papago Park in Phoenix into a training facility for the San Francisco Giants is now recommended by the Phoenix Parks and Recreation board, following a vote on whether to approve the recommendation or not.

These fields were once used by the Oakland Athletics for practice and player development, until they moved to Mesa, and it costs the City of Phoenix $850,000 a year to keep the Papago Baseball Complex going.

The proposed plan involves the City of Scottsdale leasing the complex for 35 years and spending $35 million along with the Giants to upgrade the facility, adding a parking lot and also improving hiking trails in the area.

"The Giants will have use of it year-round for training and minor leaguers, but there will be some availability for the City of Phoenix for tournaments and some things we do there," said Gregg Bach with Phoenix Parks and Recreation.

Meanwhile, the City of Scottsdale will make Scottsdale Stadium and its baseball fields near the stadium available to the public, including users of the Papago fields.

The goal is keep the Giants in the Valley, without any cost to the City of Phoenix.

The deal now goes on the the Phoenix City Council, which will decide on whether to make it happen.