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MANISTIQUE, Mich. -- A long-dormant piece of local nostalgia got a second chance thanks to a partnership between Schoolcraft County 4-H, ProAmpac Manistique, Nalco Water (an Ecolab Company), Schoolcraft County Road Commission, DesJarden Excavating, Bichler Concrete and Gravel, and numerous personnel and community volunteers.
After years of sitting unused for games, the iconic community ball field is being rebuilt and restored to once again serve local youth, families, and athletes. Local 4-H baseball and softball program has been increasing with participants each year, and with over 200 youth enrolled this year, the need for additional practice and game space became critical.
While the Fifth Street field has been used for practice in the past, it was not up to playing standards due to being overgrown and unlevel. Danielle Ylinen from the Schoolcraft County 4-H Baseball/Softball Board approached ProAmpac with a vision to bring the field back to life. To make the Fifth Street ball field playable for games, there needed to be extensive infield work to remove overgrowth, truck in 35-plus yards of ball diamond sand, move and level sand, and replace all the bases.
"ProAmpac generously offered their assistance to improve the field, an opportunity that the 4-H board and I eagerly accepted,” Ylinen said. “We have also been overwhelmed by the unexpected support and willingness of other local business to contribute to this project."
The project has quickly grown into a true community effort, bringing together volunteers, local organizations, businesses, and supporters who share a commitment to investing in area youth and preserving an important community landmark.
“Rebuilding this field is about more than restoring a playing surface. It’s about creating opportunities for our youth and strengthening the community,” said Nicole Barker with ProAmpac Manistique. “Once we accepted this project, each local connection we approached for assistance on this project did not hesitate to say ‘yes.'”
An early partner was Nalco, who then approached Bichler Concrete and Gravel for the diamond ball sand. Schoolcraft County Road Commission is assisting with equipment, and DesJarden Excavating has committed to assist with the finishing touches of topsoil.
Community volunteers have contributed countless hours of labor, equipment and expertise to transform the field from an unused space into a place where children and families can gather once again. Schoolcraft County 4-H has a strong history of providing youth development opportunities and supporting local recreation programs, including baseball and softball activities that serve young people throughout the region.