Squamish Slo Pitch Association to officially light up Hendrickson Fields this Saturday night

The Squamish Slo Pitch Association (SSPA) and the District of Squamish will team up on Saturday night to officially turn on the new field lights at Hendrickson Fields. The project has been a goal of the SSPA for a number of years and, after many volunteer hours, extensive fundraising efforts, and support from the District of Squamish and local contractors, the project is now a reality. An official ceremony will begin at 8 p.m. and will be followed by a friendly ball game. Everyone is welcome.

“This project has been a collaborative local effort – from the District of Squamish to corporate donations to extensive community fundraising and volunteer efforts, and we would like to extend a huge thank you to all who helped us get to the finish line,” says Dave Southam, Special Projects Coordinator and Infrastructure Magician, SSPA.

This has been a project seven years in the making as the SSPA has worked to fundraise $160,000 plus $35,000 in-kind donations to help offset and augment the $374,000 cash budget.

“District Council is delighted to support this project and recognizes the substantial effort of the Slo Pitch community and other field users to make this a reality,” says District of Squamish Mayor Patricia Heintzman. “We appreciate the opportunity to work in collaboration with community groups and local businesses to invest together in these worthwhile capital investments. It’s through collaboration and local partnerships that we can achieve great things for our community.”

The lights will significantly increase the field capacity as demand for field use continues to grow, increasing the available playing time by 300 per cent. By increasing the available playing time at Hendrickson Fields, this significantly improves player safety as all games can now be played on regulation size fields. As well, the design and location of the light poles was modified at a cost to accommodate a lit soccer field in the slo pitch outfields, with the goal of ensuring the broadest community benefit and value.

This project was initiated by the SSPA and has support and collaboration from all primary field user associations, including Howe Sound Minor Ball, Squamish Youth Soccer Association, Howe Sound Men’s Soccer Association and Squamish Soccer Association.

“We invite the Squamish community to come celebrate with us on Saturday night with a friendly ball game to follow the official lighting ceremony,” continues Southam. “We look forward to welcoming Mayor Heintzman to the mound to throw the first pitch, and hope to see many of our community members out to either play or watch and join in the celebration.”

May 11, 2016