recreation ballpark Expansion

Visalia, CALIFORNIA

minor-league ballpark

Larimer Design reimagined the Recreation Ballpark expansion, creating a modern, fan-focused facility while honoring the historic charm of one of Minor League Baseball’s oldest venues. Recreation Ballpark, the 7th oldest ballpark in Minor League Baseball, is nestled within Visalia’s historic residential fabric. The two-story, brick-clad expansion draws inspiration from classic neighborhood ballparks like Wrigley Field and Fenway Park, while accommodating the narrow footprint along the right field line, which varies from forty to sixty feet from the public right-of-way. The building elegantly wraps around the right field pole, blending functionality with timeless architectural appeal.

Fans enjoy an incredibly intimate game-day experience, thanks to the shortest backstop in Minor League Baseball, which brings spectators close to the action and enhances sightlines from every angle.

The expansion delivers a comprehensive ballpark experience, featuring:

  • Hall of Fame Club and Balcony with premium seating and views

  • Field Level seating integrated into a fan-friendly layout

  • Concessions and Team Store for enhanced amenities

  • Restrooms strategically located for convenience

  • Wrap-around grass berm, “The Pasture”, for casual viewing and family-friendly seating

  • Groundskeeping Barn, thoughtfully incorporated into the outfield fence

  • ADA-compliant seating and improved circulation throughout the ballpark

  • Administrative offices, storage, and commissary for operational efficiency

  • Commercial retail space activating the public right-of-way

  • State-of-the-art playing field, including a laser-leveled infield for professional-quality play

Larimer Design’s role encompassed master planning, architectural design, and coordination with city stakeholders, ensuring the expansion harmonized with Visalia’s historic streetscape while delivering a versatile, high-performance facility for players, staff, and fans alike.

The project has received national recognition, including:

  • Ballpark Digest’s Best Minor League Ballpark Improvement (2009)

  • ESPN’s Top Ten Best Seats in Minor League Baseball

The result is a vibrant, award-winning ballpark that celebrates baseball tradition, historic significance, and community pride, offering fans an up-close, immersive experience that makes every game memorable.

 

Client: City of Visalia

Design Architect: Larimer Design

Architect of Record: Fehlman LaBarre

General Contractor: Seals/Biehle, Inc.

Structural Engineer: Wiseman + Rohy

Landscape Architect: Sierra Designs

 

Venue Tenant: Visalia Rawhide

League: California League

Classification: Advanced-A

Major-League Affiliate: Arizona D-backs

Project Completion: April 2009

Seating Capacity: 2,800

Project Cost: $15.5 million

 

Awards / Recognition

  • Best Ballpark Renovation, Ballpark Digest

  • Top 10 Best Seats in Minor League Baseball (ESPN)

  • 101 Baseball Places to See Before You Strike Out, Josh Pahigian (Lyons Press)