A Walk in the Park (#20)

Someday, the happy sounds of softball games will echo through Northeast Community Park. While we don’t yet know when the full-size softball field will be ready for play, this week marked another important step in that direction.

During a visit to the park last week, I spotted Joe Sardo hard at work on the softball field. He shared that over 900 pounds of fescue blend grass seed is going to be planted throughout the park, with 550 pounds specifically dedicated to the softball field this week.

When I asked if the field might be ready in the spring, he replied that a softball field is a work in progress. Given the rocky soil and ongoing drought conditions, the outcome remains unpredictable, and there is no way to know for sure when it will be ready. He mentioned that prayers for rain would certainly be welcome.

Joe also expressed his gratitude for the support of several community members – none of whom are affiliated with Praise Assembly – who have stepped up to volunteer at the park. Some are from a local church, others are neighborhood residents, and some are simply people who enjoy the park’s walking trails. He added that it has been a pleasure to get to know these folks and make new friends. Some have joined him in the grass-planting efforts, while others helped with various projects around the park.

Thinking about my visit with Joe, I recognized that far more than grass seeds are being planted in the park. Not only will we see those seeds flourish, but the seeds of camaraderie and community spirit are growing and thriving in this space. I am confident that this sense of community will only deepen in the years to come.