Last October, the Dutton-Dunwich Minor Ball Association submitted a funding application to complete diamond renovations at Sons of Scotland Park.
And the announcement Dutton/Dunwich Minor Ball – and in fact the entire community – had breathlessly been awaiting Sunday afternoon proved a game-winner.
Just before 1:30 p.m., as announced on Sportsnet, the Diamond # 3 Renovation Project in Sons of Scotland Park was one of 15 winning Ontario undertakings in the Toronto Blue Jays – Jays Care Foundation Field of Dreams grant program.
The municipality will receive just over $54,000 to complete upgrades to the diamond which currently has a broken backstop, uneven playing field, no dugouts and is not accessible.
Total estimated cost of the upgrade is $150,000 and this Jays Care Foundation grant is the final piece in the funding puzzle, explained Dutton/Dunwich Coun. Henry Dryfhout.
The other two diamonds in the complex previously were upgraded but cannot support the number of youngsters playing baseball on a nightly basis, not only from Dutton-Dunwich but also West Lorne and Rodney.
Improvements to the third diamond opens up new possibilities, noted Jennifer Drummelsmith, baseball association president.
The new, accessible upgrades to the diamond will support the Jays Care Foundation Challenger Baseball program hosted in Dutton. It is available for youngsters with physical and/or cognitive disabilities.
Former Dutton-Dunwich Mayor, Bob Purcell called the grant announcement “fabulous” and is a tribute to the outstanding efforts of so many community members.
The Jays Care Foundation grant program provides funding to design, refurbish and build local baseball diamonds in communities across Canada.
The Field of Dreams diamonds are created to be safe and inclusive spaces where communities can connect, and kids can grow.
Written by Ian McCallum
