The small city of Austin, Indiana in Scott County is getting positive recognition this summer, after being known as the epicenter of a major HIV outbreak that changed state law.  Crews started work this week to overhaul Austin’s baseball field.  The money comes from a national refurbishment grant promoted by Major League Baseball.  As Indiana Public Broadcasting’s Barbara Brosher reports, Austin was selected from 350 grant applications and beat out three other finalist cities.

The community gets up to $50,000 worth of products and services to spruce up the baseball field at Austin Community Park. The community’s little league, middle school and high school teams use the space.

Crews are installing a sprinkler system, grading and sodding the field, and installing nets around the perimeter.

Austin Clerk and Treasurer Chris Fugate says the community is excited to see the transformation.

“They want to see the finished product,” Fugate says. “We’ve had people drive by and [say] ‘When’s it going to be, when’s it going to be, when’s it going to be ready?’”

Work on the field could wrap up next week. Once the project is complete, MLB and Scott’s will host a ribbon cutting ceremony.