The crack of the bat and cheers from the dugouts signalled more than just another ball game in Lundar this past Saturday.
After more than two decades of hope, planning and perseverance, the community of Lundar officially opened its new baseball park — a milestone moment for local sports and a testament to grassroots determination.
The new facility replaces Drew’s Field, which had kept baseball alive in the community for nearly 25 years thanks to the generosity of Brad and Diana, who allowed their private field to be used by local teams.
“Without them, baseball would have died here,” said Blaine Fortin, who helped lead the charge on the new development. “Now, we have four fields – 2 full shale fields, one grass and one with grass infield and shale paths where the kids can play. We can host tournaments, run practices and play multiple games all at once.”
The new ballpark features, large dugouts outfitted with seats salvaged from Canad Inns Stadium, and a central building with a canteen, two washrooms and a storage room. Outfield fencing is the next major addition, expected to be installed in the near future.
Fortin said the dream of a permanent baseball facility in Lundar dates back more than 20 years. The initial groundwork was done by David Sigfusson, while Hope Sigfusson helped secure early grant funding. The project was put on hold for years, but Fortin revived it several years ago with fresh determination.
“I had no experience building a baseball facility,” he said. “But once I put a basic plan together, I had help from people with more experience. Sandra Johnson, with her engineering background, was huge. Ross Tycoles also helped a lot with measurements and design. I learned so much from him.”
Among the biggest early challenges was clearing the field areas — especially picking stones, which Fortin said felt endless. Once the land was cleared, volunteers installed backstops and began shaping the diamonds.
Funding came from a wide range of sources. Nearly $125,000 in grants were secured, $150,000 from the province and the Jays Care Foundation contributed $75,000 to help build dugouts and install fencing on three of the four diamonds. The RM of Coldwell provided additional support, and the project received donations from local businesses, families, and community groups including the MMF Local and the All Canada Goose Shoot. Ongoing fundraising efforts led by players and their families have also been a major success. J & M Industries out of Brandon installed the backstops and dugouts. Volunteers built the seating inside the dugouts with the stadium seats.
“We were extremely blessed by the level of support,” said Fortin. “This really is a community-built park.”
With help from J5 Enterprises, who provided essential field maintenance equipment, the diamonds are now ready for full use. The park will serve Lundar Minor Ball, Rally Cap, a newly formed slo-pitch league, and the high school baseball team.
The grand opening event featured games between Lundar’s minor teams — two teams in each division from 9U to 15U — plus a Rally Cap practice and a light-hearted match between the 12U girls and their moms.
“This isn’t just about baseball. It’s about creating opportunities, bringing people together, and building something lasting,” said Fortin.
The fields were already tested last summer when Lundar hosted the Merv Farmer Regionals, welcoming 17 teams from across the region. All four diamonds were in play at the same time — something Fortin said hadn’t been seen in the community before.
“I remember Erin and I driving up and seeing the parking lot full, kids on every diamond. It was emotional,” he said. “We had people tell us they’ve lived here for 50 years and never seen anything like it. That’s what makes all the time and work worth it.”
Fortin said countless volunteers made the grand opening possible, with many hands helping out in the final week to prepare the site.
“I’m probably forgetting a few names,” he said. “But I just want to thank everyone who’s helped — from the early stages to the finishing touches. This park belongs to all of us.”
