If teamwork really does make the dream work, as the oft-quoted saying goes, then the Village of Harvey contains one heck of a dream team.
And that team achieved its dream Sunday when they were awarded a $92,050 grant from the Toronto Blue Jays’ Jays Care Field of Dreams program. The program provides funds to build safe spaces for children to play baseball and develop positive life skills.
A group of concerned local volunteers—the Harvey Minor Baseball Association—applied for the grant last year upon noticing that Harvey High School’s sports field needed extensive renovations.
“The field is very swampy, so we’re looking to drain that,” said Ruthie Bresson, president of the Harvey Minor Baseball Association, during Sunday’s announcement celebration at Harvey High School. The grant will also be used to add covered dugouts, improve bleacher seating, install an outfield fence, and improve landscaping.
Bresson hopes the renovation contributes to the ongoing revival of baseball in Harvey. “We had a good number—about 120—participate last year,” she said. “But it doesn’t only benefit [the Harvey Minor Baseball Association]. It benefits the high school too.”
“Harvey is such a great community,” said Andrea Miller, a Harvey High School teacher and secretary of the Harvey Minor Baseball Association. “Not only will this grant provide the baseball association with funds to upgrade the field, but it will also benefit many others who use the field, like high school students and other activity groups within the community.”
With the grant covering the cost of field upgrades, Miller said the Harvey Minor Baseball Association would focus on upgrading its equipment, purchasing uniforms, and providing registration incentives for young people to participate in organized sports.
“I cannot thank the Harvey Minor Baseball Association enough for the hard work and dedication they have displayed to ensure minor baseball can be successful in Harvey,” said Jeremy MacIver, Harvey High School principal. “An upgraded field at the school will not only allow for the growth of baseball at the school, but also in the community.”
Field upgrades are expected to be complete by mid-August.