The City of Sundown Library & Parks Friends Group (“Roughneck Friends”) has received a $13,765 grant from the Parkhill Building Community Fund to support improvements at the Sundown community softball field.
The project, titled “Diamond Defense,” will strengthen and enhance one of the community’s recreational spaces at the Park St. Park. “Diamond Defense” focuses on upgrading field conditions, reinforcing safety measures, and improving overall functionality at the field.
Planned enhancements include field surface improvements, protective infrastructure upgrades, and site improvements designed to create a safer, more resilient playing environment for athletes and spectators alike. The Sundown softball field serves youth leagues and community needs throughout the year.
These improvements will help ensure that the facility remains a dependable gathering place for families while supporting the continued growth of local athletics. Funding from the Parkhill Building Community Fund reflects a shared commitment to strengthening public spaces and investing in opportunities that promote teamwork, wellness, and community pride. The project will not only enhance playability and safety but also extend the life of the facility for future generations.
City Administrator, Billy Hernandez, shared the purposes behind the effort: “We’ve been approached over the last several years about starting a girls softball league, and while our existing field was set up for Little League baseball and made to work, it was never designed specifically for youth softball. The recent success of our high school softball team really fueled the momentum to invest in a dedicated girls’ softball field. We’re excited to repurpose an underutilized adult ball field to meet this growing need. The City of Sundown remains committed to strengthening our youth facilities and making the upgrades our community deserves.”
Project work is expected to begin soon, with the City of Sundown Parks Department assisting the Roughneck Friends in a few of the portions of the project. For more information about the “Diamond Defense” project or ways to support local parks and literacy initiatives, please contact the Roughneck Friends at roughneckfriends@gmail.com.