‘Field of Dreams’ for Ontario community after $110,000 Toronto Blue Jays grant

The Toronto Blue Jays hit a grand slam for Clarington baseball lovers Sunday with the news the municipality has been awarded a Jays Care Foundation Field of Dreams grant of nearly $110,000 for much-needed upgrades to the hardball diamond at Soper Creek Park in Bowmanville.

“This is a home run for Clarington! Just ask any major leaguer, and I bet they fell in love with the sport on their hometown ball diamond,” said Mayor Adrian Foster. “This is where players learn teamwork, celebrate their victories, and dust themselves off after losses. It’s where we create memories and build community.”

Planned improvements include new players’ benches, a new backstop, improved surface grading and covered dugouts that provide players with shade and shelter from the rain. The enhancements will improve safety, comfort, and the overall playing experience for both local athletes and visiting teams.

“We can’t wait to see everyone play on our revamped ball diamond,” Foster said, adding that construction is set to begin soon. “A huge thank you to the Jays Care Foundation from all our ball players and the entire community.”

The announcement was revealed during a community watch party on Sunday at the event hall at Garnet Rickard Recreation Complex, which was packed with more than 500 passionate baseball fans, young athletes and residents from across the municipality who came out to share their community spirit.

Clarington was also recognized live on national television as one of this year’s Field of  Dreams grant recipients – a true community moment, noted Foster.

“We can’t wait to see everyone play on our revamped ball diamond,” he said. “A huge thank you to the Jays Care Foundation from all our ball players and the entire community.”

Construction at Soper Creek Park, located at 133 Simpson Avenue in Bowmanville, is set to begin later this year and will reopen in time for the 2026 baseball season.