Willie Stargell Field officially opens at Homewood Park
History was made on the field in Homewood on Sunday morning as football cleats hit the brand new Willie Stargell Field for the very first time.
The field's debut marks the halfway point in a major transformation of Homewood Park. It's a project years in the making, designed to create a vibrant, safe community space for generations to come.
"Congratulations, Homewood, congratulations to the City of Pittsburgh, we did it. Finally, yes," said Derrick Tillman, president and CEO, Bridging the Gap Development.
The energy on the field matched the significance of the moment. It's been more than a decade of vision, planning and perseverance.
"It's amazing. I'm just so blown away. This journey started 12 years ago, believe it or not. And this was not for the weak," said Mubarik Ismaeli, president and executive director, Homewood Community Sports.
And who better to break in the turf than the Homewood Bulldogs? They were the first to suit up and break in the new field and the first of many who will benefit from the broader redevelopment plan.
The Homewood Park transformation also includes future amenities like a pool, a playground, concessions, an amphitheater and expanded green space.
"This is really an opportunity to engage the neighborhood, have things for the community, and certainly the green space," said Holly Douglas, vice president of business infrastructure at Cosmo Technologies.
City and state leaders say this project reflects a long-overdue investment in the neighborhood.
"This is not a violent community. This is a good community with good people who do good work every single day," said Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey.
"There were so many people who said this can't be done in Homewood. But here we are together," said State Rep. LaTasha Mayes, 24th District.
The full project is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with a larger community reopening celebration to follow.
If you'd like to help, an opportunity is forthcoming.
Volunteers are invited to plant trees in Homewood Park as part of the ongoing revitalization on Nov. 15 at 9:30 a.m.