Richmond Flying Squirrels Charities, the Barton Malow Foundation, and Richmond International Raceway (RIR) Cares announced on Thursday that they have broken ground on the revitalization of Blackwell Field in the Manchester neighborhood of Richmond.
The project will consist of new dugouts, construction of a new infield, reseeding the grass and other enhancements to bring the field up to modern standards. Blackwell Field is the third field to be worked on through “Renovating Richmond’s Recreation” – an impactful community partnership designed to provide recreational opportunities and safe spaces for youth in our area.
“On behalf of the ownership of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, we’re proud that our 3rd, and largest, youth league baseball field renovation is now underway,” said Flying Squirrels President and Managing General Partner Lou DiBella. “We’re thankful to our management and staff for their constant commitment to our greater Richmond community, our fans, and our neighbors. We are proud to be corporate citizens of Richmond, as so many members of our management team and staff are proud to call Richmond home. These fields are ready to play ball because of the hard work of Flying Squirrels Charities, but they stand as a reminder that we are part of the family that is our hometown. The love and support of our city and our fans is reflected back at you.”
Barton Malow Company will perform the revitalization work on the ball fields and will continue working with RIR Cares and the Henrico County Vocational Technical Education Foundation (HCVTEF) to provide opportunities for local high school students to learn valuable work skills through the renovation of these local fields by allowing the kids to get hands-on experience. Initial work on two locations – Westover (located at 1301 Jahnke Rd) and Hotchkiss (located at 701 E. Brookland Park Blvd) began in September of 2015.
Richmond Flying Squirrels Charities raises monies throughout the year as a charitable 501(c)(3). Flying Squirrels Charities along with the Barton Malow Foundation, and Richmond International Raceway Cares partnered to hold the first annual RVA Field of Dreams Fest on October 2, 2015 to raise funds for “Renovating Richmond’s Recreation” as well as the (HCVTEF), which supports workforce development in high school students. The revitalization of Blackwell Field is the first of two inner-city youth baseball field renovations planned with the proceeds of RVA Field of Dreams Fest as part of the Flying Squirrels Charities continuation of “Renovating Richmond’s Recreation.”
Barton Malow Company will perform the revitalization work on the ball fields and will continue working with RIR Cares and the HCVTEF to provide opportunities for local high school students to learn valuable work skills through the renovation of these local fields by allowing the kids to get hands-on experience. The second annual RVA Field of Dreams Fest: A Night at the Diamond will take place on August 12th, as a way to continue helping to renovate recreational areas throughout Richmond.
Details about the event are available at www.rvafieldofdreamsfest.com.
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Chris Graham
