Scotts®, the Kansas City Royals, along with Major League Baseball and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, celebrated the opening of a newly refurbished baseball field at Mulkey Square Park in Kansas City on Saturday, August 20.
The new field at Mulkey Square Park was unveiled at a special dedication ceremony with the Vice President of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, Chuck Brady; Director of Kansas City Parks and Recreation, Mark L. McHenry, Kansas City Mayor, Sly James; Vice President of Community Relations for the Kansas City Royals, Ben Aken; and Manager of Consumer Marketing and Public Relations for Scotts®, Kim Markus. Enhancements made to the field include: sodding the infield, a new clay pitcher’s mound, new batter’s boxes, topdressing the base paths, reworking the infield arc, and restoration of the field staging area.
“These field refurbishments are just one way we can give back to youth and communities across the country,” said Josh Peoples, Vice President and General Manager of Scotts®. “Encouraging fans and family to get outside and enjoy activities like baseball is what this program is all about.”
“Kansas City is a baseball town. We always have been and we always will be. But, for that to remain a reality, we need to ensure that all kids in our community are given access to the game and to the valuable lessons that go along with being a part of a team,” said Mayor Sly James. “Today’s event does exactly that and I’m incredibly grateful to our partners, Scotts® and the Kansas City Royals, for their work in refurbishing this beautiful field and giving the kids in this neighborhood a safe place to play ball.”
This effort is part of Scotts® It’s Good Out Here™ Field Refurbishment program, a partnership between Scotts® and MLB to give back to youth and communities by renovating youth ball fields around the country over the next three years.
“This is another great example of partnerships that benefit our residents and, in particular, our youth,” said Mark L. McHenry, Director of Kansas City Parks and Recreation. “I’d like to thank Scotts for their generous donation of field improvements. With support like this, KC Parks is able to accomplish much more and better meet the needs of our entire community.”
The It’s Good Out Here™ Field Refurbishment Program is one of the key programs under MLB’s PLAY BALL initiative, which began last season to encourage widespread participation in all forms of baseball and softball activities, especially among youth. Scotts® is a supporter of PLAY BALL and also the title sponsor of Scotts® MLB Pitch, Hit and Run – MLB’s largest national youth skills competition.
About ScottsMiracle-Gro
With approximately $3 billion in worldwide sales, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company is the world’s largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. The Company’s brands are the most recognized in the industry. In the U.S., the Company’s Scotts®, Miracle-Gro® and Ortho® brands are market-leading in their categories, as is the consumer Roundup® brand, which is exclusively marketed near worldwide by Scotts and owned by Monsanto. In Europe, the Company’s brands include Weedol®, Pathclear®, Evergreen®, Levington®, Miracle-Gro®, KB®, Fertiligène® and Substral®. In 2016, the Company ranked on Forbes 100 Most Reputable Companies in America. For additional information, visit us at www.scottsmiraclegro.com.
About PLAY BALL
PLAY BALL is a joint initiative between MLB, USA Baseball and USA Softball. In addition to encouraging participation in both formal and casual baseball and softball activities, PLAY BALL aims to give kids the opportunity to enjoy the game in a fun environment by highlighting the many ways baseball and softball can be played and providing memorable experiences; introduce young people to the sport who otherwise may not have the chance to experience it; and offer a healthy and active lifestyle option where many of those opportunities are being offered less frequently. PlayBall.org is the PLAY BALL initiative’s online home that provides parents, coaches and kids with information about baseball skills, links to youth-related news and events, searchable maps with links to community baseball leagues, health and safety information.
A key component of MLB’S PLAY BALL initiative is “PLAY BALL SUMMER.” This program was created in partnership with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, to expose children to the sport of baseball and encourage an active and healthy lifestyle for kids in all communities. Mayors across the country are hosting similar activities this summer to engage citizens, families, and city departments to organize individual and community events.