The goal of this project was to rehabilitate the historic Hot Sox Field and upgrade the grounds into a public park with expanded amenities that support the site’s current use as a community baseball field and for the future use of the Wilson House and property. The master plan included recommendations for the rehabilitation that would reinforce and enhance the character of the sandlot baseball field period of significance, while providing for new park amenity additions that are compatible with the historic character. The 26-acre parcel is historically significant as the site of the Hot Sox Ball Field, home to the Galesville Hot Sox Negro League team from the early 20th century until the 1960s. The master plan further established connectivity within the park, the Wilson House, the Galesville Community Center, and the larger Galesville community.

WBCM provided architectural and structural services for the two dugouts and grandstand incorporated in the masterplan. Although the original dugouts were demolished before the start of design, WBCM took care to analyze the reports and photos available in order to respect the original design and imbue a sense of historical authenticity in the new.

The original dugouts were constructed of concrete masonry units (CMU), wood posts and rafters and a corrugated metal roof. These components were likewise utilized in the new design. A notable aspect of the initial design was a course of CMUs were rotated to expose their cores, allowing air ventilation through the dugout, aiding to cool the players on a warm day. This design feature was employed in the new design and pays homage to the passive design ingenuity of the original designers. A continuous bond beam serves as a lintel over the rotated CMUs. The original design also incorporated a wood bench with CMU supports beneath, a detail WBCM carefully replicated.

CMUs from the demolished dugouts had been salvaged for reuse. Although cracking and other structural defects made reuse of the CMUs impractical for the new dugout construction, they were incorporated into site signage and are intended to be prominently displayed. The CMUs on the new dugouts are to be painted to match the green of the original CMUs. Since rosters of past Hot Sox players have been carefully preserved, a designated location on the dugout wall for plaques in their honor is incorporated into the design.

The grandstand, like the dugouts, is constructed of pressure treated wood posts, rafters, decking and a corrugated roof. The design of the grandstand is careful to incorporate the most recent ADA standards, including bleacher seating which accommodates handicap clearances, egress pathways and ADA compliant ramp to the raised bleacher while maintaining the historic materials and character of Wilson Park. “Hot Sox Field” signage is incorporated into the rear wall of the grandstand, which serves to remind players on the field as well as spectators the historical significance of this African-American farmstead and sense of community it provided to Galesville for much of the 20th century. A report conducted by Anne Arundel County in 2015 states “baseball fields were essential in fostering a sense of community in an era of segregation.” The dugout and grandstand design serve to preserve the memory, culture and history of this community.