The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation has been working to improve the baseball community by updating the fields and facilities across the state.
After obtaining final approval at a City Council meeting on Sept. 6, the Foundation funded the complete refurbishment of two baseball fields at Phoenix’s El Oso Park.
The Foundation is renovating the fields as a part of its Mike Kennedy ‘Diamonds Back’ Field Building Program, which has funded the building and refurbishing of 43 baseball and softball fields throughout Arizona since 2000, a community investment of over $10 million.
“I just want to take a moment to thank the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation and our Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department for this incredible investment,” said District 5 Councilwoman Betty Guardado, who represents the district that contains El Oso Park.
“As a mom of two young boys, I have, myself, spent a lot of time at El Oso Park,” Guardado said. “We know how active this community is, how active this park is. We’re always hearing about families coming in and playing soccer, playing baseball, and now they enjoy our new splash pad that we just did a ribbon cutting for a few months ago.”
El Oso Park is a 40-acre neighborhood park featuring amenities such as a playground, exercise paths, and sports facilities and fields.
The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation began revamping El Oso Park’s ballfields this year and expects project completion before the end of 2023. The planned developments include landscaping improvements, brand-new field accessories, electrical access and new scoreboards for each field.
“We’re very excited how this gem is getting these enhancements and upgrades,” Guardado said.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego called it “an exciting investment.”
“Congratulations to the neighborhood in that area that is taking this new, free investment,” Guardado said. “I am very proud to be able to support this item today.”