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AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - On Friday morning, Highland Park Independent School District broke ground on a new softball and baseball complex at the south end of the football field. The new fields are expected to be ready in time for the start of the 2025 softball and baseball seasons.

The building of the baseball and softball fields is the first project that is getting off the ground from a bond that was passed by the school board in May of 2023 that is $130 million. The fields are expected to cost around $6 million.

The idea of introducing a softball and baseball program to Highland Park came two years ago when freshman Isaac Alcala felt the Hornets needed a baseball program. With the help of some friends and support of other students, Alcala presented the idea to the school board.

“Pretty much what I did, I went around lunch, high school and middle school lunches and I got a whole bunch of signatures and I took that to the board,” Isaac said.

Highland Park ISD Superintendent Jimmy Hannon credited Isaac at the groundbreaking ceremony.

“At the time, were like ‘Oh my gosh,’ and then over a period of months, and a lot of discussion and you know it’s really our vision for the school as to where do we want it be in the next five to ten years,” Hannon said.

Superintendent Hannon says having these programs may tap into a group of students who don’t play sports the school already offers.

“We are just trying to grow and continue thriving this small district for future generations. This is one small piece of that,” Hannon said.

Two years after Isaac proposed the idea, the school board broke ground on the fields. Isaac will see his idea come to light as he will be able to suit up in green and gold and play baseball his senior year.

“I’ve always had a love for baseball. I think the future generations are going to enjoy this field a lot better than I will though,” Isaac said.

Highland Park ISD have already hired new coaches for the baseball and softball programs. Ben Havel, who was an assistant at Canyon High School, will be the head coach of the baseball program. Eliza Martinez is coming from Lubbock and she will take over the softball program.