Let’s play ball! The City of Port Angeles will host a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly improved Volunteer Field on Friday, April 5th. The facility, located at the corner of West 18th and South L Streets in Port Angeles, has been updated with a synthetic turf infield, providing a durable and weather-resistant playing surface for youth baseball and softball.
The ceremony will take place in between the Port Angeles junior varsity (JV) and varsity baseball games vs. Klahowya Secondary School. As part of the event, Eric Flodstrom, a community partner whose support was instrumental in this project, will have the honor of throwing the first pitch to his son Luke Flodstrom, catcher on the varsity team.
Volunteer Field Schedule for April 5th:
| Time | Event |
|---|
| 10:00 a.m. | Port Angeles JV Baseball vs. Klahowya Secondary School |
| 12:00 - 12:30 p.m. | Volunteer Field Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony |
| 1:00 p.m. | Port Angeles Varsity Baseball vs. Klahowya Secondary School |
| Following the varsity game | Olympic Junior Babe Ruth Youth Baseball practice |
“This project is another great example of the positive impact that public-private partnerships can have on our community, especially our youth. It would not have been possible without the combined efforts of community leaders like Eric Flodstrom, and City Parks Manager Tim Tucker,” says Parks & Recreation Director Corey Delikat. “We look forward to seeing our kids out there enjoying the field and playing ball!”
The new synthetic turf infield will minimize the number of rainouts and field closures and provide more playing days per year. Benefits include:
- The provision of a safe and consistent playing surface
- Increased field durability, allowing for games and practices to continue even in periods of heavy rain
- Lower maintenance and material costs, as synthetic turf does not require mowing or other typical field maintenance
The project received $180,000 in generously donated funds, labor and equipment. Additional funding sources included $50,000 from City Real Estate Excise Tax, $60,000 from City Lodging Tax, $60,000 from Clallam County Lodging Tax, and a $350,000 Youth Athletic Facilities Grant from the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office. The total cost of the project was $700,000.
For more information, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (360) 417-4550 or parksandrecreation@cityofpa.us.