Linden's Crow-Heath Baseball Park has gotten a lot of deep-blue fresh paint this spring. It has new sidewalks, well-cared-for grounds and big plans for the future, too.
Its volunteer board, under President Kerry Wells, the many parents and park fans, has been working hard. Everything is in readiness for Field Day on Saturday beginning at 9 a.m.
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UALR Open House
UALR hosts an Open House for potential students and their families on Friday, January 25.
That's when 120 local players on 10 teams in six leagues will play for the entire town population.
"It's our biggest concession day," baseball board secretary-treasurer Kristen Kerr said.
"We'll charge a small gate fee for the public and grill hamburgers all day at the concession stand. But it all goes to a good cause-the kids and baseball."
The park has several lighted fields for 3- to 12-year-olds. But one group is missing-the 14-year-olds. Without a field at the Crow-Heath Park, this age group has to play over at the former high school field near the Music City Texas Theater.
That's way across town.
"And so those players don't get as involved with the summer league play here, and we don't have as much attraction for this group," Kerr said.
Preparation for a new field has been made by clearing and leveling land at the south side of the park and near the tennis courts. But so far, money to build is lacking.
"We've just finished making an application for grant help this week," Kerr said. "We've got hope."
Along the 75 yards or so of fresh concrete that makes up an entrance walk to the park, the board is planning to add a baseball hall of fame.
Colored baseballs, two-feet in diameter, will be artistically drawn and painted with the honoree's family's name. This naming designation can be purchased with a contribution to the park and program.
The hall of fame program is being led by Joanie Bynum.
"We're going to try to do everything we can to raise money, improve the park and better the game for the kids," Kerr said. "A good way to help us is to come out and watch the games."
Plenty of good seats and the best concession stand around, it seems.
"Our pickle pops are the most popular," she said.