Small towns like their youth ball programs, and the Rockford area is no exception.

The community, under the leadership of the Rockford Area Athletic Association (RAAA), is banding together to build a “best in class” ball field that should be ready to go in the spring of 2013. It’s required a combination of vision, planning and “roll up your sleeves” fundraising efforts that extend back to 2011.

The idea of putting a new ball field in Rockford was born in part by determination to grow youth sports in the area, and in part by opportunity.

For about five years, residents of the Parkwood housing development in Rockford have been eagerly awaiting the development of the parkland adjacent to their properties. When the housing market stalled out a few years ago, the property known as Parkwood Park remained untouched, something residents with children found frustrating. Ensuing efforts on the part of Parkwood property owners – along with Rockford city staff and the city council and planning commission – got the ball rolling, and neighborhood meetings over how to develop the park began.

RAAA saw an opportunity and approached the neighborhood group with a proposal to work with it in installing a little league ball field on the parkland. It was an idea that took hold immediately, garnering the support of area residents.

Steve Yakesh, RAAA Baseball Director, has been involved in this concept from the start and has been working toward securing financial support of the project through fundraising and sponsorship efforts. Recently, Bankwest and Lamperts, both businesses located in Rockford, came forward to support the field, and will be represented in a logo designed for it.

Steve Huston, Bankwest President, says that Bankwest came out to support the field because it has a long-standing philosophy that the kids of the community are its future, and facilities like the ball park provide opportunities that can help them discover their potential.

He added, referring to the addition of a field, “We need it and we’re happy to be able to help the schools and the community in this way.”

Bill Clemen, Lamperts Sales Manager, echoed the sentiment on behalf of Lamperts.

“Lamperts is very pleased to be part of the construction of the first ever little league field in Rockford, and felt this was a great way to show our commitment to the community.”

Yakesh, grateful for the initiative taken by these local businesses in leading the way, is working on securing additional sponsorships and has some fundraising opportunities in the works including raffle tickets for a Chevy Equinox and the sale of engraved bricks visible to game attendees. It’s a big job, he says, but an amazing opportunity that so many in the community have gotten on board with.

“We’re putting in a ‘best in class’ field,” he said, ” a field we can be proud of.

The field, when complete, is estimated to come in at around $50,000, although some of the amenities, like a scoreboard and windscreens, will be installed as finances allow. Much of the labor, Yakesh adds, will be provided by volunteers to keep costs down.

The field is expected to open for play in a little over a year. You can keep tabs on the progress at www.rockfordball.com/field-of-dreams

In other ball-related news, Rockford Area Schools has secured a grant for fields located behind the high school. The $30,000 Twins Community Fund grant will be matched by funds from area associations, including RAAA and the school’s booster club, and the City of Rockford. The money will be used to begin upgrades on the pinwheel complex of four ball fields, which experience heavy use.

The Rockford Area Collaborative Effort (RACE) – a united effort to secure field funding by representatives of the school district, the cities of Rockford and Greenfield, and associated athletic support organizations – came close to securing a grant in excess of $200,000 this year for an additional field, and field improvements and maintenance within district 883. Rockford High School Assistant Principal and Activities Director Glenn Klaphake said that this might be something to revisit, as well as uncovering other grant programs.

“We’re looking at all grants and opportunities to find dollars to help our facilities,” Klahpake said.

Spring-like conditions are, no doubt, sending out subliminal “play ball” messages to the masses.

In Rockford, they’re hearing them loud and clear.

Originally published online at http://www.pressnews.com/articles/2012/03/15/rockford/1rockfield.txt
Author: Linda Herkenhoff (lherkenhoff@acnpapers.com)

June 16 – Minnesota Twins Play Ball! Clinic

• 9:00am – 12:00pm
• Rockford Middle School Fields
• Clinic is for Boys and Girls ages 6-16

More details to come soon!

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/min/community/playball_clinics.jsp

The 2nd Annual Pancake Breakfast to support Youth Sports in Rockford has been scheduled for Saturday, March 17, 2012 from 8:00-11:00am at the Rockford High School Commons. Chris Cakes will be on hand once again for pancake flipping fun. Can you catch yours? Pancakes, Syrup, Sausage and beverages are included in the ALL you can eat feast! Cost is $7.00 for Adults, $6.00 for Students and Seniors, and $5.00 for Kids 5 & Under.

On hand we’ll offer a chance to win prizes, a 50/50 drawing, swap meet for softball equipment, measure yourself for a new bat, kids activities and more! Representatives from the Rockford Area Athletic Association (RAAA) will be on hand to discuss Baseball, Softball, Football, Basketball and Volleyball with youth and parents.

Proceeds from the pancake breakfast will benefit the Rockford Area Athletic Association (RAAA) Youth Sports. In addition, 10% of the proceeds will be donated to the Claus Robinson Benefit Fund. For more information about this worthy cause, please visit http://www.facebook.com/clausrobinson.

For all the details, click here to view the flyer.

Congratulations to all of the winners from the 2011 Rockford Showcase Boy’s Basketball Tournament held December 10-11, 2011. Thank you for attending our Annual Tournament and we will see you next year!

4B 1st – Prior Lake 2nd – Wayzata 3rd – Becker
4C 1st – Lester Prairie 2nd – Chaska 3rd – Buffalo
5B 1st – Wayzata 2nd – St. Cloud 3rd – Princeton
5C 1st – NL-Spicer 2nd – Chaska 3rd – Rockford
6th 1st – Cooper 2nd – Wayzata 3rd – Westonka
7B 1st – Sartell 2nd – Wayzata 3rd – Bloomington
7C 1st – Watertown 2nd – Big Lake 3rd – Rockford
8B 1st – Wayzata 2nd – Sartell 3rd – Princeton
8C 1st – Rockford 2nd – Chaska 3rd – Cooper

Congratulations to all of the winners from the 2011 Rockford Showcase Girl’s Basketball Tournament held November 19-20, 2011. Thank you for attending our Annual Tournament and we will see you next year!

4th 1st – Minnetonka 2nd – Chanhassen 3rd – Orono
5B 1st – Mound 2nd – Orono 3rd – Delano
5C 1st – Jordan 2nd – Annandale 3rd – Glencoe
6B 1st – Glencoe 2nd – Mankato West 3rd – Mound
6C 1st – St. Anastasia 2nd – Delano 3rd – Coon Rapids
7B 1st – Chaska 2nd – STMA 3rd – Mound
7C 1st – Chaska 2nd – St Cloud 3rd – Howard Lake
8B 1st – Becker 2nd – STMA 3rd – Rockford
8C 1st – Minnetonka 2nd – Milaca 3rd – Armstrong