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In 1968, under the leadership
of President George Hardesty, Kiwanis made a commitment of $2,500.00
plus labor to create Kiwanis Field, a full-service baseball diamond
on the grounds of the Sherwood Eddy Memorial YMCA in Jacksonville.
The work began in 1969 with the financial commitment raised to
$5000.00. Under the direction of Project Chairman Tom Taylor,
the work included grading, seeding, fertilizing, sodding, laying
out the infield and erecting the backstop, fences and dugouts.
Over 40 Kiwanians donated their time, talent and machinery in
completing the first phase of this project. Of the $5000.00 budgeted,
only $1,940.00 was actual expended.
The field was dedicated
and opened for use in 1970. The Club allocated an additional
$3000.00 in 1973 to provide lighting for night games, bringing
the project to a successful conclusion.
The field continues to
be in heavy demand. Kiwanian and YMCA Program Director Mike McHenry
reports Kiwanis Field hosts a large number of teams in leagues
for youth and adult softball and coach-pitch T-ball. The MacMurray
College Girls Softball teams practice at this location, as does
the squad from Our Saviour Catholic School. Several other teams
from youth and adult leagues around the city also hold practices
here. The outfield is also utilized in the fall season by several
football squads who stage their practice sessions here. |
