Four baseball fields at the Tara Hills Complex are undergoing repairs thanks to the charitable efforts of the nonprofit More Than A Game (MTAG) and partner companies.
About 30 volunteers are working on the project that will make the fields playable and safe for children 12 years ans younger, according to Turface Athletics, a sports field and construction and maintenance company, which is donating its solutions to the project.
This week, ground broke on the project, according to a Facebook post by More Than A Game, which facilitates the construction of athletics fields, equipment donations, instructional clinics and community service projects in underserved areas. The project is expected to last four days, although weather could delay construction.
The renovation involves $25,000 worth of “dirt, paint, bases, machinery rentals, event production and volunteer and kids apparel,” according to Turface Athletics.
Ewing Irrigation is also taking part.
Brian Dixon, the fields maintenance director, said, “We’re just trying to bring everything back for the community, have a place for kids to come play baseball.”
Added officials from Turface, “From the removal of infield weeds, leveling the playing surface with new dirt, applying Turface field conditioner and replacing wood in the dugouts to the washing, painting and repairing of concession stands and bleachers — the Tara Hills Project aims to unite, educate and empower the San Pablo community.”
After the project is completed, a community celebration with music, food games and more will occur. A clinic is scheduled for Feb. 9.
“Turface Athletics is proud to be a partner of this uplifting and influential organization — More Than A Game,” said Jeff Langner, the company’s business manager. “With the assistance of Ewing Irrigation, we are honored to contribute multiple pallets of essential field maintenance products, helping provide a safe and sustainable environment for the town’s youth.”
More than a Game has spearheaded various projects in the Richmond area, including Shield Reid Park in North Richmond and free youth clinic at Nicholl Park.
Correction: The initial story indicated that these baseball fields are in the City of San Pablo, when in fact they are in unincorporated Contra Costa County.
