Diamond improvements at Sandstone Park

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Providing a place for the neighborhood kids to play baseball for over 60 years now Albion’s Sandstone Park has been undergoing some major improvements this summer. The project has been made possible thanks to the donations and volunteer time given by neighbors, former players and friends of the park. Here Sandstone Coach Dan Bartlett and Sandstone Park renovation project Coordinator Bruce Sidari stand next to one of the three new outfield distance signs that will be hung on the new outfield fence, one in centerfield and one along each foul line. “We have received some great support with donations and volunteer help and donated material which has made this project possible,” said Sidari. Bartlett is just the fourth coach in the Sandstone team’s 64 year history. The three previous coaches were Guido Mannella, Leonard Sidari and Steve Coville.

A large section of the new fence, which will be topped with a yellow safety guard, is shown here. Beyond the fence is an area which will be used for infield practice by both Sandstone’s 7-9 and 10-12 age group teams.

Here Elliott Trapiss gets set to take a swing in front of the new backstop. The project will also include the installation of a flag pole behind the backstop as well as a monument which will be mounted on a piece of sandstone. The monument will have the following inscription. “SANDSTONE PARK:  Purchased and developed by the hard working and caring men and women of East State Street in 1954. These members of America’s “Greatest Generation” provided a safe enjoyable recreation area for their children, the residents of East State Street and the Village of Albion. The generations of volunteers since its inception has allowed Sandstone Park to provide and maintain a sense of fair play and a sportsman like atmosphere that the founders worked so hard to create. The resident’s past and present of East State Street and the Village of Albion will forever be in their debt. To “The Greatest Generation”   Thank You”

Volunteer labor and donated materials helped to transform this old block restroom building into a storage building complete with the Sandstone Park logo. The work has also included a large new parking area.