Under the threat of demolition as early as September, voices are being raised in opposition to tearing down the historic grandstand at Emslie Field.
An impassioned letter last week from a mother of two St. Thomas Minor Baseball players has become the lightning rod in the movement to save the off-limits grandstand.
Last Thursday, myFM spoke with Sandra Graham, author of the letter.
She’s had an outpouring of response to her letter.
With this being a municipal election year, Graham is encouraged by comments from one of the mayora candidates.
She continued, “Well, and that’s another thing that came from the post: lots of ideas, lots of people wanting to participate and who are also wanting to support the cause. So, you know, I think we will get together and figure this out.
“My concern is that this just kind of quietly came up and there was no brainstorming or what else can we do, nor was there very little recognition of what it is we’re dealing with.”
Here is the full transcript of Sanda Graham’s letter.
“St.Thomas Minor Baseball board members and other passionate supporters have worked hard trying to protect the Emslie Field Grandstand, part of our local history.
“Yet at every home game, we are reminded of what is at stake as we sit beside the beloved grandstand now roped off and facing demolition.
“The city council of St Thomas made a decision, with no collaboration from stakeholders, to demolish St Thomas Emslie Field grandstand. Today, this cherished field remains an active and well-loved community facility.
“Players, families, and fans from across the region come to Emslie Field not only for the baseball, but for the unique experience of gathering in a park that reflects St. Thomas’ sporting history and civic pride. A central part of that experience is the historic grandstand. Now deemed unsafe, the structure is at risk of demolition.
“For the local baseball community, this is not simply about preserving an old building — it is about protecting a defining feature of Emslie Field
and retaining an asset that distinguishes St. Thomas from other baseball venues.
“The grandstand offers practical and lasting value. To demolish it would be short-sighted. It provides shaded seating on hot summer days, shelter during rain, improved sightlines for spectators, and functional space beneath the structure for equipment storage.
“More importantly, it enhances the overall experience for families, athletes, and visitors who spend long days at the park.
“At present, the City of St. Thomas is prepared to move toward demolition rather than restoration. Earlier plans would have removed the structure before the baseball season, forcing children, teams, and spectators to navigate an active construction zone throughout the summer.
“Thanks to community advocacy, demolition has been postponed until after Labour Day, giving supporters a critical opportunity to make the case for preservation.
“There is still time to act. St. Thomas is a community that values its history, invests in its youth, and takes pride in the places that bring people together. Restoring the grandstand would preserve the character and beauty of this historic facility while ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy it. With thoughtful investment, this landmark could serve the community for another century.
“The community now has an opportunity to come together and demonstrate the value of restoring the Emslie Field grandstand. This is about more than nostalgia; it is about preserving a meaningful public space, supporting local sport, and showing young athletes that their community believes in investing in places that matter.
“As local elections approach, we hope candidates will step forward with a commitment to protecting what matters to our community. St Thomas deserves leaders willing to explore every possible solution to save it.
“We need sponsors, donations, ideas, and strong community commitment. Where are the local business owners, service clubs, major donors, community leaders, philanthropists, and heritage supporters?
“Please, come together to help save this landmark. Based on figures shared publicly by the city, the estimated cost (difference) to save the grandstand is only $400,000. Estimates suggest restoration could cost up to $1.2 million, while demolition alone could cost $800,000. Additional work would still be needed after demolition, further narrowing the cost difference.
“These figures show why restoration should be carefully considered as a worthwhile long-term investment. In the end, saving the grandstand is not an unreasonable cost for preserving such an important piece of our community’s history.
“I am not a member of the baseball board or any official committee. I am simply a community member who sees something meaningful at risk.
“If you have the resources, the connections, the skills, or the financial ability to help, please reach out and become part of the solution. If you own a business, represent an organization, service club or are in a position to sponsor or donate, your support could make a lasting difference.
“Imagine the opportunity to leave a legacy by helping save this historic landmark. A major sponsor could even have the opportunity to have the grandstand named in recognition of their contribution, creating a lasting tribute that would be seen and appreciated by generations of families, athletes, and visitors for the next century.
“Perhaps you are the person who can inspire others to step forward. Be the hero this community needs. Together, we can preserve an irreplaceable piece of St. Thomas history and ensure that future generations continue to enjoy the Emslie Field grandstand for years to come.”
A related story can be found here.
Written by Ian McCallum
