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After more than two decades without major improvements, The Woodlands Rec Club has finally begun upgrading its aging ball diamonds. Club president Jeremy Fisher says the transformation is already being felt both on and off the field.
“We started fundraising about 2.5 years ago for them, and we just started making the improvements this year.”
Fisher notes that it had simply been too long since the facilities had received any investment, and time had taken its toll. So far, the main diamond has seen the most progress, with new baseball sand laid around the baselines, home plate, and base areas. The field has also been outfitted with brand-new bases.
“We installed a new fence in front of the dugout and down the baseline, mostly for safety reasons, plus we never had one before. We put in new benches and some new gravel down by the benches. We were able to put some gravel down and revamp our benches on our second diamond as well,” he explains.
The club currently operates three diamonds, but the third field has yet to see upgrades. Fisher says they’re optimistic about getting to it soon, depending on continued financial support.
“The next step will be to redo the backstop on diamond one and two. That way, they'll all be brand new. After that, we can start working on our third diamond.”
The current phase of improvements has been made possible through local fundraising efforts and generous contributions from individuals and businesses within the community.
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“This wouldn’t have been possible without all those who supported our fundraising efforts, as well as the companies and individuals that gave their time and resources to help us get the work done,” he notes.
The refurbished diamonds are already back in action. Young athletes have been enjoying the updated fields since the improvements were completed, and more activity is on the way. One of the summer’s biggest events, a community slow-pitch tournament, is set to take place on July 26th.
“Kids have been playing on them since we finished the upgrades, and we have a slow-pitch tournament planned here in July, so they'll get used once again. It's a family fun affair, with lots of activities for kids and a full day of slow pitch as well.”
For early registration, teams have until the end of June.
“Early Bird registration is June 30th, but we'll take teams right up until about a day or two before.”
With more upgrades planned and strong community support behind them, the Rec Club’s revitalized diamonds are shaping up to be a true home base for summer fun. Fisher says the hope is to keep building on that momentum for seasons to come.
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