Sean C. Morgan
Volunteers swarmed Roy Johnston Memorial Park Saturday to complete construction of four new ball fields.
The fields have been closed for about two years, said Larry Horton, who led the effort. The goal was to get the remaining work 75 percent complete, with smaller groups of volunteers following up with final projects.
“Opening day is May 15,” Horton said. “We want to have four fields ready to play by that date.”
Three fields are for baseball, and one is for softball. Teams played at other local schools and traveled to Lebanon to play games last season while the ballpark has been under construction.
About 70 adults and 50 to 60 children showed up to work Saturday, Horton said. They represented the Boys and Girls Club ball teams, the Rotary Club, high school National Honor Society members and the fourth cohort from the Ford Leadership Foundation training program. Volunteers started about 8:30 a.m. and worked through about 4:30 p.m., building dugouts, fields and backstops.
“It was a very impressive sight,” Horton said. “I think what placed a smile on many of our faces was watching the kids. They not only picked up rocks, they raked, they painted, they dug, they hauled 10- and 20-foot boards, and all with smiles on their faces. I heard more than one say, ‘Wow, we helped build this, and we are going to get to play on these fields in a few weeks.’
“This project has gone way beyond my wildest dreams. We not only have a quality ball park for our kids, but we have pride that has been developed.”
Josh Darwood was the chief contractor. He spent a lot of hours before the work party day designing the dugouts, negotiating costs and materials and rounding up help. He also oversaw the project Saturday.
Tony Lopez and his crew completed the work on the backstops.
The majority of the work was volunteer, Horton said. Many of the materials were donated by Hoy’s Ace Hardware, South Fork Trading Co., Parr Lumber and Weyerhaeuser.
The project also received support from the Community Chapel.
“The community in general, everybody’s been so generous,” said Kris Latimer, director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Greater Santiam.
Tanner Bidwell competed on the old fields, but since he’s now in senior baseball, he won’t return to these fields.
“I think it’s better than it was,” he said. “I think it’s a good idea, so the midgets can play on it.”
“They’re making the batting cages a lot better,” said Codie Brown, also a senior.
The club and volunteers continue to seek donations to the project. Donations may be given at the Boys and Girls Club, 890 18th Ave. Also, memorial plaques are available at six dugouts still for $2,000 each. For more information, contact the club at (541) 367-6421.