Holyoke park and small ballfield to get a facelift

 “Just Do It!” This was a Nike marketing campaign in the late 1980s, but one person in the Holyoke community has made it his call to action. Tom Bennett was aware that the playground equipment and the smaller baseball field at the Holyoke ballpark were in need of improvements. He took on this project, which included raising $235.000 needed for those improvements. It might seem like a daunting task, but he was up to the job, as he put together a detailed plan and has already received commitments for the funds needed to complete the project. 

Bennett has been involved with Holyoke recreation since his return about 30 years ago. He realizes having well maintained recreation areas is in the best interest of our community. He said, “I always support recreation in our area and look for ways to make things better for our families and the next generation.” 

There are two specific areas that got his attention and he set out to improve them. First the playground equipment at the ballfield needs to be replaced. Secondly, new bleachers, dugouts, fencing, and a scoreboard for the smaller ballfield are needed. Once the smaller ballfield is improved, it will be useable for multiple events to include T-Ball, Pee-Wee ball, and softball, which includes the girls high school softball team. Improvement plans include ensuring the field meets softball regulations which will allow tournaments to be hosted at the new ball park. 

Once he researched what replacements and improvements were needed, he built a plan and presented it to various people and agencies to acquire the needed funds. This campaign gives citizens and businesses the opportunity to be a part of the improvements. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated. 

To date, commitments for donations include the City of Holyoke, Phillips County Recreation, Holyoke School District, Heginbotham Trust, and private donations. 

If you’re interested in making a donation for this project, contact Tom Bennett at 970.520.4027. And, if you see Tom Bennett around town, be sure to thank him for seeing a 

 and ‘just doing it!’ .