FARMINGTON, Mo. (News First) – On Friday (Oct 4th), the City of Farmington renamed the Farmington Sports Complex after long-time Farmington Parks and Recreation employee, Bud Norman. Norman was employed with the city from 1977 to 2022 as the Parks and Recreation Director. Mayor Larry Forsythe says it’s only right to name the complex in Norman’s honor.
“For 48 years this is what he did for Farmington. He started at the bottom and worked his way towards the top, and it just seems a fitting honor to do this for him and his family. That way when his grandkids come and they play baseball or play tee ball, they can say, ‘He’s my grandpa. Here’s my grandpa right there. They named the field after him.’ So that’s why I did this,” Forsythe says.
Norman was an integral part of the city’s parks and recreation facilities. Notable achievements include Engler Park, Farmington Sk8 Park, and numerous other recreational amenities. Norman is well remembered for his work with the department and for creating many programs, including the Wiggle and Giggle Fishing Derby.
“The Wiggle and Giggle was a big thank from Bud. He always seemed to like children and liked to see the smiles on children’s faces. He liked to do something for the children. He decided to do Wiggle and Giggle and that is one of the biggest things we have in the park,” Forsythe adds before breaking ground on the sign.
The sign will be at the entrance of the Farmington Sports Complex, located at 1100 Sainte Genevieve Avenue. The complex consists of four baseball/softball fields, batting cages, a playground, and concessions. It regularly hosts games and tournaments and is open to the public. Work will soon begin on renovating the sports complex, including a new concession stand, restrooms, signage, backstops, fencing, dugouts, and equipment.
