New Accessible Dugouts and Fencing Upgrades Made to Forest Sports Park

Upgrades to the Forest Sports Park and Rick Goodhand Memorial Baseball Diamond are now complete after crews worked on installing new covered accessible dugouts and outfield fencing this summer.

The project was funded in part thanks to the Jays Care Foundation and a $54,800 grant through their 2021 Field of Dreams program, which supported the cost of two covered accessible dugouts and fencing on the Rick Goodhand Memorial Baseball Diamond.

“We were thrilled when we heard that our community would receive funding through the Field of Dreams program and it’s exciting to see the upgrades complete,” said Kevin Goodhand, President of the Forest Minor Baseball Association. “Our players look forward to seeing the ball diamonds in action next season and we hope we can host a safe opening ceremony next year to celebrate with the community.”

The Municipality of Lambton Shores teamed up with the Forest Minor Baseball Association earlier this year as a co-applicant on the Field of Dreams application. The recipients were announced in May during a live broadcast on Sportsnet’s Blue Jays Central.

“After a tough year for youth sports, hearing that Lambton Shores and the Forest Minor Baseball Association was a funding recipient on live TV was really special,” said Lambton Shores Mayor Bill Weber. “The new accessible dugouts will ensure everyone can enjoy the space and we look forward to another safe season of youth baseball next year.”

Fourteen organizations across Canada received funding through the Field of Dreams program this year, with more than $1-million being invested in community baseball infrastructure to benefit Canadian children and youth. Forest was one of eight Ontario communities to be awarded funding.