Softball New Zealand general manager Dane Dougan gave the new all-weather diamond at Ellis Park the seal of approval during its official opening on Saturday.
Dougan, who was in Dunedin to participate in the opening ceremony, told the Otago Daily Times he was impressed with the work done by Softball Otago to bring the diamond up to scratch.
"There are some really good parks out their and this one is right up there," Dougan said.
"Obviously, the first step in this development was getting the all-weather diamond up and running, and the next step is to develop the rest of the facilities."
While drainage has been installed and the surface is in top condition, there are still no clubrooms or permanent toilets at Ellis Park, but plans for these are in place.
Dougan said he was in discussion with Softball Otago about the possibility of hosting an age-group tournament or secondary school tournament at the venue towards the end of next year. Nothing had been "set in stone yet" but he hinted it was highly likely.
However, staging the national league, Softball NZ's major tournament, in Dunedin was unlikely in the near future, as cost was a major impediment.
Grassroots softball in Dunedin is in good heart with 95 junior teams. But the sport has an alarming drop-off rate with just four senior men's teams. The problem is not unique to Dunedin and turning it around is Dougan's priority.
"We need to address that and are putting plans in place.
"We have about 30,000 players [nationally] and I'd like to double that in the next three years. I really think that is a possibility."
Next year's national league finals will be staged in Hutt Valley, and Dougan revealed Softball NZ was close to finalising a broadcasting deal with Maori Television.
