Summerland family's effort to restore community baseball field moves closer to reality

Summerland council approved $65,000 in matching funds if a Blue Jays grant is successful, and Field 96’s opening day is scheduled for April 18.

A Summerland couple is moving a community baseball field rebuild closer to completion after council approved additional conditional funding. Jeff and Melissa Taylor have led fundraising to restore Living Memorial Park in memory of their son Hendriks Jon Taylor, who died in 2024 at 16. The project, known as Field 96, has raised about $518,749 to date and received more than $150,000 in in‑kind donations. Opening day is scheduled for April 18 with a parade and community events. Key details: - Council approved $65,000 in matching funds contingent on a Blue Jays grant, with most of that amount to come from the electrical capital reserve. - The Toronto Blue Jays Field of Dreams grant previously awarded the project $185,000, and the Summerland Minor Baseball Association (SMBA) is in the final stage of the 2026 Jays Cares Field of Dreams Grant for Phase 2. - Phase 2 is estimated at $425,000 and focuses on further electrical work and the purchase and installation of stadium lighting for evening games and practices. - Fundraising so far includes more than $82,000 from GoFundMe, over $12,000 from a Rotary 50/50, $13,000 from the Baker Invitational, and over $38,000 from concession and T‑shirt sales, alongside large in‑kind contributions. - Organizers and local crews have completed a large amount of work already, and SMBA reports a 20–25% year‑over‑year increase in youth players since the project began. Summary: The council’s conditional $65,000 approval keeps the Phase 2 funding application active while reflecting municipal budget constraints. SMBA is awaiting a final decision from the Jays, expected in April, and is preparing for Field 96’s opening day on April 18 with local ceremonies and a representative from the Blue Jays expected to attend.