by Dave Boehler
Beacon Sports Editor

THIS RENDERING shows what the new deck for Sheboygan A’s games at Wildwood Park will look like once completed. – Submitted photo

In addition to watching the Sheboygan A’s play, there are two more reasons to visit Wildwood Park this season.

Not only are lights brand new, an 800-square foot VIP deck will also debut.

“You can’t even compare what we’re going to have to what we’ve had,” A’s general manager Denny Moyer said. “We probably have the nicest park in the league. And our lights may have been the worst in the league. We’ve got that corrected now. That’s an immense factor. And that isn’t just cosmetic or newness. That was getting to be a real safety issue. It was really difficult to play under those conditions. It’s going to be a big boon for both the players, especially the players, but also the fans.

“The deck, I think, is probably going to be the most innovative thing we’ve done at the ballpark in years. I think it’s going to attract a lot of people. It’s going to be a fun time up there. We’re going to have special nights, group nights, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Quasius Contstruction has been working on the deck, which is being designed by Abacus Architects.

The deck will be located on the third-base side of the field and will provide a private gathering space for groups up to 50 people. It will have a bar and partially covered seating area. The space will also create a weather-protected area below the deck.

“It’s really going to be nice,” Moyer said.

Earlier this year, the Sheboygan Athletic Club replaced the original lighting system after years of trying to address the issue.

There are six poles, including four that are 90 feet high, with 82 LED fixtures hanging from them.

“They’re really super,” Moyer said. “It lights up the park like you can’t believe.”

The new lights also helped Wildwood Park get selected to host the 2020 American Legion State Tournament.

“But Steve Goes, the legion coach, he deserves credit for that,” Moyer said. “He hustled, put in all the bids, did all the leg work for that.”

Moyer, who has been associated with the A’s since the early 1960’s, is naturally eager for this season to start.

The first game is May 25.

“We’re proud of all the things we’ve done over the years,” he said. “We’ve done a lot of good stuff for our community, for the young people, even our older fans. It’s been a good program. But this past year has really been a topper. I don’t know what else we can do. It’s been really great.”