Tuesday night the community gathered at the Blue Pad at the Gemini Sportily to witness the live announcement of Strathroy-Caradoc being chosen as one of the 14 communities across Canada to receive the prestigious 2024 Jays Care Foundation Field Of Dreams grant. Director of Community Services Rob Lilbourne says it was fantastic seeing everyone come out to witness the announcement and commended staff for all their hardwork, which made receiving the grant possible.
This initiative, which sees the Foundation allocate more than $1.5 million in baseball infrastructure funding nationwide, aims to enhance local communities through sports and recreation. Supervisor of Recreation Programs and Community Liaison Paul Lattimore told myFM there is no feeling quite like the one felt during the announcement.
In order for the application to be considered with the foundation, the municipality needed to submit a cost breakdown and what they would like to see be completed. Lattimore says council has also allocated funds to make the diamonds the best they can be.
Lilbourne mentioned that with the funding they have been given, a plan has been put into place in order to update the diamonds in Strathroy so they meet regulations.
Lilbourne told myFM how the plan would work.
Reflecting on the substantial impact of past grants, it was noted that in 2023 alone, 15 organizations nationwide received over $1.5 million in funding from Jays Care Foundation. This funding led to the development, enhancement, or renovation of local baseball diamonds and safe play areas. Over the past decade, Jays Care Foundation has invested nearly $15 million in 163 Field Of Dreams projects, creating a lasting positive impact on communities across Canada.
Lilbourne says the timeline is already in place for completion of the projects.
The municipality submitted for $260,000, the Foundation has committed $125,000, with Strathroy-Caradoc Council approving up to $150,000 for the completion of the project. Upgrades will include protective fencing placed on diamonds currently that have no protection for dugouts, Royals Field will be transitioning into a lower aged baseball diamond along with the addition of 2-pitch and slo-pitch.
The Bantam hardball diamond at the York Street Complex will be fitted into an up to date dimensional hardball diamond. The other two diamonds there will continue to house hardball for the younger age groups making the York Street baseball venues a complete trio of Minor Baseball fields.
Written by: K. Milhomens
(Photo – Strathroy-Caradoc)