LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers, paired with the City of Compton, Kershaw’s Challenge and MLBPA Youth Development Foundation, continued to invest in the community, unveiling the Phase 1 completion of a $2.7 million Dodgers Dreamfields complex at Gonzales Park in Compton on Thursday.
With the unveiling coming on the 74th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking baseball’s color barrier, the ribbon-cutting on Thursday highlighted the need for continued opportunities and places to play for Black and brown communities.
“The weight of the pandemic and calls for social justice magnify the importance of an already impactful Jackie Robinson Day,” said Nichol Whiteman, CEO of LADF. “In celebration of a legacy rooted in service, LADF has amplified its efforts to serve L.A.’s most vulnerable populations. With a history of dwindling resources and support, Compton deserves exceptional recreation spaces and comprehensive tools to thrive.”
Designed to support youth baseball and softball, from T-ball to college athletics, the Dodgers Dreamfields at Gonzales Park will feature massive renovations, including new playing surfaces, fencing, dugouts, irrigation upgrades, lighting, paint and scoreboards.
It also includes a Rachel Robinson Field, which is designed for baseball players ages 9-12 and softball players ages 9-18; Jackie Robinson Stadium, designed for baseball players ages 13 and over; and a fitness zone named after Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw’s charity, “Kershaw’s Challenge.”
“As we celebrate the legacy of Jackie Robinson, Kershaw’s Challenge is proud to partner with LADF to restore Gonzales Park to its baseball glory and create a welcoming environment for all ages,” Kershaw said. “What was once baseball heaven became a challenging place to play, making the sport inaccessible to kids in the neighborhood. With these hurdles in mind, Ellen and I are honored to help make a difference.”
“The upgrades to Gonzales Park will positively impact the Compton community, especially our youth, for years to come,” said mayor Aja Brown. “We thank the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation for their commitment and investment to restore Jackie Robinson Stadium and we look forward to their continued partnership as we collectively invest in Compton youth and families.”
Phase 2 of the project will be unveiled in the Fall of 2021 and will include solar arrays, PV carports, EV charging stations, locker rooms, concession stands, a press box, ADA paths and restrooms.
Gonzalez Park was named after Ramon Gonzales, a local business owner that raised money to build baseball fields. Gonzales helped nurture Major League stars such as Eddie Murray, John Young, Hubie Brooks, Ozzie Smith, Eric Davis, Darryl Strawberry, Duke Snider and Kenny Landreaux.