PITTSFIELD, Mass. - Renovation plans for Pittsfield's Wahconah Park are on a quick timeline and construction could start as soon as next year.

The Restoration Committee is working with architects at S3 Design to guide the process of what changes will be made to the historic ballpark. The first of four workshops was held this week to discuss pros, cons and hopes for the future plans.

S3 principal Sal Canciello said there are three possible outcomes for Wahconah Park, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005: to repair and renovate the facility in place, to demolish the building and rebuild in the same location or to re-envision the entire site. All three options are still being considered.

Canciello said priorities for the project, still in its beginning stages, include addressing the stormwater flood issues in the parking lot, updating amenities like bathrooms and concessions, and maintaining the park's nostalgic feel while celebrating the history of baseball in Pittsfield dating back to 1892.

Canciello said it starts with listening to the community’s needs and wants when considering renovations, all while keeping cost in mind.

“How do we have displays and let people be aware of the history of the park?" he said. "People who have played there, different events that have happened there and the role that it's played in Pittsfield so that it's not as much looking backward, but people see themselves as part of the history that it's ongoing.

"The field has evolved over its time being there. The current grandstand and roof as we see it now, was built in the 50s. So, there is history that precedes that as to the park evolved over time and how do we just continue that timeline and continue the evolution to keep the project relevant and to be usable - expand the usability to the community to be able to do as many events there as is practical so that we could attempt to make it at least a three-season venue, potentially a four-season venue.”

In an emailed statement from Pittsfield's Park, Open Space, and Natural Resource Program Manager James McGrath wrote, "Wahconah Park is a not only an important baseball facility but a critical community gathering space that has served Pittsfield well over many years. But the park is at a crossroads, and the City is excited that the planning for the future of this beloved baseball facility is now underway.

"In order to get that important community perspective on the direction we should be heading in, we need to hear from Pittsfielders in the coming months. We will make opportunities for input available in numerous ways: via public workshops, surveys, and direct conversations with residents and other stakeholders. I encourage everyone to find time this summer to lend your voice so that we can begin to plan out the next chapter in the story of this old ballpark."

The next meetings are slated for June 12 and July 10 with a fourth in early August. The goal is to have design plans ready to present to the city at the end of August.