Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
What began as a volunteer-driven dream to provide recreation opportunities for Craig County youth has grown into one of the county’s most significant community assets.
The Craig Field of Dreams Sports Complex, a project of the Craig County Recreation and Conservation Association, continues to expand as volunteers complete the site’s fourth field, a baseball field that will further enhance youth sports opportunities in a county without a parks and recreation department.
The nonprofit association, founded in 2005, was created by parents and community volunteers who wanted to improve education, recreation and conservation opportunities for local families. Since then, the 501(c)(3) organization has transformed an 18-acre site into a multi-purpose sports and recreation complex featuring multiple baseball and softball fields, dugouts, bleachers, a pavilion, concessions, restrooms and a playground.
All board members, coaches and leadership positions are volunteer-based, including Sports Director Sheri Deck, who organizers say has played a vital role in coordinating youth programs and seasonal sports.
Because Craig County does not operate a parks and recreation program, the association also organizes local youth sports leagues, practices and tournaments, giving county children access to organized athletics close to home. The complex also serves as a venue for community events and regional tournaments that bring visitors into the county.
The newest phase of development — construction of the fourth field — has become one of the project’s most expensive undertakings. In addition to the work required for field grading and alignment of home plate and bases, all four fields require specialized ballfield mix soil. Organizers recently had 11 dump truck loads delivered at a cost of more than $18,000.
Association leaders say the cost highlights the continuing need for community support, even after years of successful fundraising, grants and in-kind donations that helped establish the complex.
“Field of Dreams has made a tremendous impact on the citizens and economy of Craig County,” the association noted in a history summary, citing expanded tourism, increased retail activity during tournaments and improved access to healthy outdoor recreation for local families.
To help meet current and future needs, the organization will participate in GiveRoanoke’s regional day of giving on April 22. Donations raised through the campaign will help fund continued field development, maintenance and youth programming.
Community members interested in supporting the Craig Field of Dreams can contribute through the GiveRoanoke campaign at giveroanoke.org.