Spring recreation season is underway in St. Paul, with crews, volunteers and local organizations preparing community sports facilities for another busy summer.

Mayor Glenn Andersen said recent upgrades at the ball diamonds highlight how partnerships between the Town, sports groups and local businesses continue to improve facilities without placing the full burden on taxpayers.

“They come to us; they fundraised for some shale,” Andersen said while discussing improvements at the diamonds.

The Town provided support for the project, while volunteers and user groups also helped complete the work.

“They put something into it. Some sweat equity in, and that’s what we have budgeted for stuff like that,” he said.

Andersen said the model reflects how many community projects in St. Paul move forward — through shared investment and cooperation between municipalities, organizations and volunteers.

“It’s a combined effort, and we’re glad to support some initiatives in the facility,” he said.

He also pushed back against the idea that municipal support means taxpayers are solely funding local projects.

“Just because the town is supporting it doesn’t mean you’re paying for all of it,” Andersen said.

The discussion came as Iron Horse Campground, soccer fields and ball diamonds continue seasonal preparations ahead of summer programming and tournaments.