Garfield Park Little League Celebrates Baseball Diamond Revamp

CHICAGO, IL — Community groups, charities and the Garfield Park Little League came together Saturday to celebrate the completion of a new baseball diamond on the West Side. After more than a year of work, the southwest infield and outfield at Jackson and Independence in Garfield Park has been revamped. The Cubs Charities Diamond Project invested $35,000 to fund the project, and the Chicago Park District completed the rehab.

“The Cubs have three organizational goals: win the world series, renovate Wrigley Field and be a good neighbor," said Cubs representative Keri Blackwell. "At Cubs Charities, we strive to execute on the third goal, every day, by partnering with organizations across Chicago to increase opportunities for children to play ball."

The Garfield Park Little League uses the field, as well as the community through the park district's programming. Frank Brim, the little league's executive director, said the program "evolved" into an opportunity to offer children a "pathway to successful living."

"We feel that all bases – academics, emotional, physical, moral and person accountability – need to be filled to feel safe at home. All children deserve a place to go where they feel safe regardless of their zip code,” Brim said.

The little league applied for the grant, and the organization Local Initiatives Support Corporation Chicago provided technical support.

"We hope the community enjoys the renovated field and new batting tunnel for years to come,” said Ashleigh Wayland with LISC Chicago.

Since 2014, Cubs Charities Diamond Project has invested more than $5.7 million to fund 45 capital improvement projects, 45 youth programs and new sports equipment across Chicago.

Photos courtesy of LISC Chicago