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PUEBLO—The City of Pueblo Parks and Recreation Department received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to help purchase new bleachers at Joe Santos Field and at Stauter Field.

“The Pueblo community has expressed the need for bleachers to return to ball fields after the pandemic and Parks and Recreation would like to ensure these are all safe, sturdy bleachers for use by the public,” said Director of Pueblo Parks and Recreation Steven Meier.

On Monday, June 12 City Council approved $30,086 in ARPA funding for the purchase of bleachers at Joe Santos Field at Ray Aguilera Park. In 2019, all bleachers were removed from the City of Pueblo ball fields due to COVID-19. Since their removal, it was determined that the bleacher did not meet minimum safety height requirements and would require guardrails. As a result of the safety requirements and continued need for bleachers, a request was made for new bleachers to be installed at Joe Santos Field at Ray Aguilera Park.

Another ARPA request was made and approved by City Council on Monday, June 26 for the purchase of bleachers at Stauter Field for $47,946. The bleacher replacement is part of an effort to update Pueblo Parks and Recreation facilities in qualified census tract locations which qualify for use of eligible ARPA funds.

“The purchase of these bleachers allows both Joe Santos and Stauter Field to guarantee safe use of their facilities for fans and supporters for years to come,” said Meier. “We’re happy to make this investment for both of these facilities to enhance the game day experience for the ball fields.”

The City of Pueblo received two rounds of allocations of ARPA funds, totaling $36.4 million dollars to be obligated by Dec. 31, 2024, and expended by Dec. 31, 2026.

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