A brand-new baseball diamond complex in the RM of Coldwell is officially open, capping off more than a decade of planning, hard work, and volunteer dedication.
The grand opening celebration took place this past Saturday. The event will featured games by all local teams, a barbecue, and a fully operational concession.
Located just west of Lundar on Road 419, near the RM shop and airstrip, the four-diamond facility has already become a hub of activity.
Grant Sigfusson, a councillor for the RM and president of the local athletic association, explains the project has been in motion for around 15 years, dating back to when his mother, Hope Sigfusson, first picked the location.
“The project actually started with my mom. She was a major ballplayer when she was younger, so she always said that girls got the worst diamonds,” says Sigfusson.
She selected the site near the airport and golf course, had it surveyed, and helped initiate the groundwork. Family members, including David Sigfusson and Brian Sigfusson, contributed both labour and equipment to the project.
From grassroots to green grass
With groundwork underway, the project found fresh momentum thanks to Blaine Forton, a local coach and former Toronto Blue Jays draft pick. He helped rally the community, write grant proposals, and guide the build from concept to completion, alongside his wife, Erin Forton.
Sigfusson notes that extensive volunteer labour went into putting up fences, dugouts, backstops, and a central concession building. The grass took two years to fully establish, with community members removing rocks by hand, some as small as one inch in diameter.
“It’s probably a half-million dollar project, if you include all the utilities and everything, but it’s a hard number to pick because there was a lot of volunteers,” he says.
A boost for youth and tourism
The site includes four diamonds laid out in a wheel formation with the concession at the centre. Each field is designed for a different level of play, accommodating a range of local teams and age groups.
While the grand opening is just now being held, the diamonds have already seen plenty of use. Last year, the complex hosted a provincial tournament, drawing strong attendance and positive feedback.
“Once you get something started, then people start coming and they’re very happy with the diamonds,” remarks Sigfusson. “The kids are out there playing every night.”
He emphasizes how proud he is of the community effort that made it possible and encourages everyone to stop by for the grand opening to see the facility in action.
“I hope everybody comes out to see the ball buildings and enjoy playing on it,” he mentions.
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