ROCHELLE — Community members driving near Helms Field might notice the scenery looking differently now that the home side bleachers are nearly a thing of the past.

Demolition crews are close to completing the teardown of the old structure that once supported thousands of fans throughout the years since the 1970s.

Depending on the weather, the demolition and removal of the metal and wood structure should be completed at the end of this week or sometime next week.

Don Elliott, Superintendent of Parks and Facilities for the Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District said once the demolition is complete, he will be seeking pricing for a concrete foundation, which will be the footing for the new bleachers.

The new bleachers will be a 10-row, 33-feet long elevated structure with a capacity of nearly 174 people. These will include five wheelchair accessible points.

Elliott also talked about possible plans for an area under the old bleachers that had never been paved — an idea that could save the park district some money.

“Rather than fill that area in with concrete or asphalt, we could do mulch with landscaping and place some picnic tables,” Elliott said.

Elliott said the concrete foundation and the delivery of the bleachers should be sometime in late May. Park district maintenance employees will be assembling and installing the bleachers.

Elliott also said the building that once was mostly under the old bleachers will need to be painted as well.

Last month park district commissioners approved the demolition and subsequent replacement. Of the total $28,000 cost, the park district’s share of demolition and replacements, including shipping is approximately $18,000. Rochelle Junior Tackle board members agreed to cover $10,000.

The work is expected to be complete by August 1, in time for Rochelle Junior Tackle season.