A field of dreams at Highbury School

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/08/2021 (1752 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I am happy to have partnered with St. Vital councillor Brian Mayes and the Bonivital Minor Baseball Association to upgrade the baseball diamond at Highbury School.  

A major renovation has seen significant upgrades at the ballpark to create a refreshed high-performance baseball diamond.  This upgrade project will see a raised mound, refreshed infield, a brand-new warning track and an upgraded backstop and dugout as well as enhanced fencing in the outfield.  

Designed for AA and AAA 18U, 15U, and 13U baseball, this high-performance field will be the gem of South St. Vital.  

Staff continue to work on addressing additional safety enhancements, which include planting trees along the third base line beside the warning track to protect the homes adjacent to the field. Additional fencing will also separate the ball diamond from the adjoining soccer field directly to the west.

I have had the opportunity to visit the field which is currently used by baseball teams from throughout the south Winnipeg area.  It’s great to see players and their families gathering safely to enjoy this enhanced facility.  

While this field is considered a high-performance field, residents in the community are encouraged to use it for recreation purposes. We ask only that residents be mindful that, when walking their pets in this area, they should pick up after their pets.

Investments in sports and recreation infrastructure in local neighbourhoods and communities provides opportunities for children and youth to have safe outlets for positive outcomes both physically and mentally.

Participation in sport and active recreation is more likely to bring diverse social groups together while improving the social cohesion and inclusion of minority groups which hastening integration and increasing inclusion.

As a person who has been involved with sport throughout my life, I recognize how valuable sport is in teaching self-discipline, promoting development of fair play and fostering good citizenship.

Although the previous field at this location has been there for over 20 years, this “field of dreams” is a renewal of the statement, “if you build it, they will come.”

Let’s get out to the ballpark to support children and youth in our community and provide them with the social tools to succeed in life through sport!