Michigan Cares for Tourism Volunteers Headed to Kalamazoo in April to Help Build Wiffle Ball Fields at Mayors’ Riverfront Park
As part of the 2024 Pure Michigan Tourism Conference this April, a group of volunteers will join Michigan Cares for Tourism (MC4T) for a half-day project at Homer Stryker Field in Mayors’ Riverfront Park—home of the Kalamazoo Growlers baseball team.
From 9 a.m. to Noon on Tuesday, April 9, the group will utilize recycled turf from the nearby Gull Lake High School football field to construct the Kalsee Credit Union Wiffle Ball Field, an extension of the Kalsee Credit Union Kub Zone. When complete, the fenced off field will be used by the Kalamazoo Whiffle League (2023 National Wiffle League Association (NWLA) champions) as well as being open to the public year-round.
“We are excited about the new Kalsee Credit Union Wiffle Ball Field,” says Brian Colopy, owner of the Kalamazoo Growlers. “We would not be able to create this without the help from Kalsee Credit Union. This is going to be a great addition to the community to make baseball more accessible for everyday fun.”
The 64-acre Mayors’ Riverfront Park stretches along the Kalamazoo River, adjacent to downtown, and is connected to the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. In addition to the baseball and wiffle ball fields, it also boasts the Soisson-Rapacz-Clason Field, a picnic area, playground, six-hoop basketball court and plenty of green space.
MC4T is a statewide 100% volunteer, 100% give back partnership which allows tourism professionals to come together to help enhance Michigan’s historic, natural, and cultural attractions, and build a stronger tourism community while learning about Michigan destinations. Since its inception in 2013, Michigan Cares has completed 54 volunteer clean-up events, empowering over 4,500 volunteers and helping Michigan destinations save over $1,150,000 in supplies and labor.
“Without the contributions of our volunteers and donors, we simply could not have done the valuable work we do each year,” says MC4T leader Patty Janes. “We thank each and every volunteer, donor, and industry member and look forward to the next ten years!”
Later this spring, MC4T will host its major annual volunteer event on Monday, May 20 at Belle Isle in Detroit. For more information or to register, visit MichiganCaresforTourism.org
Chartered by Grand Valley State University’s Hospitality and Tourism Management Program, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Travel Michigan, Tourism Cares, DRIVEN, and Indian Trails, Michigan Cares for Tourism coordinates annual vital clean-up events at treasured Michigan tourism locations in need of revitalization.