Clarington to mark reopening of Soper Creek Park baseball diamond May 31 in Bowmanville

Clarington will hold a public event Sunday, May 31, marking the reopening of the baseball diamond at Soper Creek Park in Bowmanville after recent improvements. The event is scheduled for 2:30 to 5 p.m. at 19 Soper Court.

For attendees, the municipality says parking at the park will be limited to accessible needs only, with a free shuttle running during the event hours.

According to the Municipality of Clarington, work at the hardball diamond included new players’ benches, a new backstop, improved surface grading and covered dugouts.

The municipality’s schedule lists an opening ceremony and first pitch at 3 p.m., followed by a Rep Orioles baseball game at 4:15 p.m.

Clarington also lists Major League Baseball’s Pitch, Hit & Run competition as part of the event for youth aged 7 to 14. The municipality says the competition is free, but registration is required.

Other activities listed by the municipality include inflatables, face painting, lawn games and sidewalk chalk. A food truck is expected to sell hot dogs and ice cream, and Clarington says accessible seasonal washrooms will be available on site.

For transportation, Clarington says a free shuttle will run from Bowmanville High School (49 Liberty St. N.) between 2:30 and 5 p.m., dropping off in front of the Visual Arts Centre. The park can also be reached on foot via the Marie Hubbard Trail (formerly the Soper Creek Trail), according to the municipality.

Clarington said the baseball diamond rehabilitation project received partial funding through the Jays Care Foundation’s Field Of Dreams granting program, which the municipality said is supported by TD.