SOUTH BEND – The new owner of South Bend’s minor league baseball team is planning to add a playground and climbing wall to the city’s stadium to help boost attendance.

Chicago businessman Andrew Berlin outlined the plans Tuesday night for the city parks board before it approved a new 20-year lease for the Silver Hawks to play in Coveleski Stadium.

Berlin reached a deal last week to buy the team from a group of investors led by former Indiana Gov. Joe Kernan.

Berlin told WNDU-TV he expects many of the improvements to be ready by next spring, and that the additions might also include a splash pad and a miniature golf course.

WSBT-TV reported the city plans to contribute $1.75 million toward improvements, with Berlin adding an undisclosed amount.