The field of dreams in Morristown became a reality Wednesday evening in Morristown as Lynn-Hunkler Memorial Park was officially opened.

Betty Hunkler Modie threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the inaugural girls' softball game between Union Local and Martins Ferry slow pitch teams.

"I am impressed with just how beautiful everything is," said Betty Modie, "So many generous people have given their time and put in a lot of hard work to make this possible."

Memorial Park is taking shape on over 60 acres of land donated by Modie and her family to the village of Morristown. "It was this generous gift that propelled a "field of dreams" into the reality it is becoming," said Morristown Mayor Gordon Price. "Everyone is so excited and enthusiastic about the great facility Morristown now can offer to youth ball teams and for Morristown area residents."

Once grant funding was secured for the project, a ceremonial groundbreaking was held in the summer of 2008. Soon thereafter, excavating equipment began to turn the farm of Richard Lynn Hunkler, Betty's brother, into a park. When Richard died in 1990 he left the farm to sister Betty and a brother Bill Hunkler.

"He was an only child and worked his entire life as an electrical engineer for the government in New Jersey," said Bill of his brother, "We decided back then that this is what we wanted to do with the property and it took this long to see the project through."

The Operating Engineers Training Program and IOUE Local 18 provided the heavy equipment and skilled labor for the project. Work crews from Belmont Correctional Institution also provided hundreds of hours of volunteer time along with local volunteers who have helped bring the park project to fruition.

"Five baseball diamonds with dugouts/concession stands are in various stages of completion," said Mayor Price. "The park contains two shelters, which will have restroom facilities. Equipment for both a toddler and an intermediate playground has been installed along with a basketball court."

A walking trail is in the early stages of work and a Frisbee golf course will be installed as well.

The new entrance pillars and a gate will be constructed at the entrance just off U.S. 40 on the East end of the village. Improvements to the entrance road and parking facilities will be ongoing this summer. The National Road Cottage is going to be moved to the park and the Morristown Preservation Society is planning to construct a World War II Veterans Honor Board in the park.

"Once the park is completed, families from Morristown, Union Township and beyond will have a place where their children can come and play in summer youth leagues, play on swings and enjoy the park," added Mayor Price. "Families will be able to use the park to meet for reunions and enjoy outdoor activities together close to home."

"We have worked hard to get grant monies for the project," said Betty, who has worked diligently for the past twenty years to see her dream become a reality. "We need to get the water and sewer project complete to get the restroom facilities in the shelter houses and finish up some of our ongoing projects but it is so thrilling to see the girls out there playing softball tonight."

The land donation was valued at $300,000 and matching grants of $100K and $200K were received from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Grant, $ 60K from a Major League Baseball Grant along with $ 40K in donations from local organizations and individuals.

"There is still much work to be done," said Mayor Price.

"We would like to invite anyone interested in helping to come out this Saturday, starting at 8 am for a volunteer work day."

The park is closed from dusk to dawn and the two pavilions are available to rent for summer reunions, picnics, parties and other gatherings. A rental fee will be charged and reservations for the pavilions may be made by calling Beth Burghy-Robb at 740-238-1788.

Time Leader