GORDON - The Borough of Gordon has a beautiful new baseball and softball field, courtesy of Wal-Mart Distribution Center No. 7030, whose representatives were thanked Saturday afternoon for their assistance in making a local "field of dreams" a reality.
Wal-Mart DC Assistant General Manager Ryan Dunkle accepted a plaque from Gordon Mayor Nick Troutman and Friends of Gordon Committee President Richard Babb for the extensive work done to replace the former field in Gordon Community Park, complete with fences, new backstop, two dugout, and a new infield. The presentation at the left field fence included Wal-Mart DC employees who worked at the site, and borough Councilman Jeffrey Hoffman.
With assistance and support from the Wal-Mart DC at the Highridge Business Park, the borough was approved last year for a Wal-Mart Foundation grant to support the field renovation and reconstruction.
"This is a long time coming," Troutman said in his opening remarks.
"We had planned to do this last year, but the weather wasn't very cooperative for the work to be done, but we're very happy to be here today. On behalf of our Gordon officials and the Friends of Gordon Committee, we're very pleased to thank the Wal-Mart Distribution Center and all of the loyal volunteers and employees who have made our field of dreams a reality."
The roots of the community project began a few years ago with a cooperative effort with Schuylkill County VISION.
"A few years ago, Gordon and some of our residents partnered with Schuylkill County VISION, with our ultimate goal to create a vision for our borough, to look at our mission and set goals for our community," Troutman said.
"Through those discussion we got introduced to Wal-Mart. I remember walking into (Wal-Mart DC General Manager) Alan Hanley's office and on this big board he had this baseball field drawn and it said, 'This is Gordon Borough's new Field of Dreams.' So, to Wal-Mmart and to all its loyal employees from FOG, borough council and our citizens, we want to thank you for the work you've done."
Troutman also thanked VISION, Area Revitalization and Development Corporation and Home Depot for providing some of the equipment.
"I enjoyed working with these guys in the summer," Babb said.
"We had a good time as we built the field."
Hoffman also thanked Wal-Mart and its workers for the great work at the park.
Babb said that Wal-Mart provided funding and labor for most of the project, with the borough purchasing materials before Wal-Mart became involved.
Babb said the drainage problems in the infield have been dealt with as the project progressed. Dunkle said the work took about three months and when it was determined where the problem areas were, heavy equipment was brought in to improve drainage to send run-off from the mountain away from the field.
"Everything seems to be working pretty good so far," Babb said.
Dunkle said about 50 ton of soil was used to refurbish the infield, adding that the material used has very good drainage properties.
At 5 p.m, it was time for FOG's Pumpkin Glow Night. The evening event included music by DJ "Little Wink" and lots of free food, including hamburgers provided by Wal-Mart, cakes and desserts provided by the Sara Lee Distribution Center at Highridge, hot dogs, snacks and birch beer on tap, all served by FOG volunteers.
Children and adults brought their special pumpkin creations to display and be judged. The winners were:
- Pre-K Category: Scariest - Kalli Smith; Funniest - Michael and Casey Rader; Most Original - Allie Kempsey.
- Kindergarten through fifth grade: Scariest - Emily Welna; Funniest - Scotty Lawrence; Most Original - Lindsay Snyder.
- Sixth and seventh grade: Scariest - Jack Kempsey; Funniest - Brian Snyder; Most Original - Emily Fetterolf.
- Eighth grade to adult: Scariest - Nina Kramer; Funniest - Pat Snyder; Most Original - Careen Bulka.