Renovated Ballpark Part Of Effort To Boost Youth Recreation In Detroit

DETROIT (AP) - A newly remodeled ballpark named in honor of the late William Clay Ford Sr. is part of a broader effort to boost recreation options for youth in Detroit, those involved in the project said Monday.

UAW-Ford donated $1.8 million to refurbish the baseball field for residents of Midtown, Woodbridge and other neighborhoods. Updated bleachers, pitching and batting cages, a digitized scoreboard, scenic landscaping and restrooms are among the upgrades.

William Clay Ford Field is named for Ford Sr., who died last year at age 88. He was a grandson of automotive pioneer Henry Ford and owned the Detroit Lions.

"UAW-Ford strongly believes investing in our youth is key to building a better Detroit and a bright future for generations to come," Jimmy Settles, UAW-Ford vice president, said in a statement. "We share this commitment with the Ford family to build strong communities.

(credit: Vickie Thomas/WWJ)

"Consequently, we are proud to invest in the neighborhoods in which our members work and live," Settles said.

UAW-Ford partnered with Woodbridge Community Youth Center and others on the effort.

"Dedicating the ballpark to my father is a great way to honor his memory and carry his legacy forward," said Bill Ford, executive chairman of Dearborn-based Ford Motor Co. "My father embodied the spirit of Detroit, and he was committed to making a difference in the lives of children in this city and beyond."

Last year, UAW-Ford donated nearly $2 million to renovate Balduck Park on Detroit's east side in a project that included a remodeled ballpark.