Courtesy Orem City

Orem sports fans have been patiently waiting for the baseball fields at Lakeside Park to reopen. On Wednesday, Orem Mayor Dave Young and the city council were joined by the Utah County Commission, leaders from several of the city’s youth sports programs, city staff and over 200 residents to celebrate the grand re-opening of the ball fields.

“For our youth, these ball fields will be more than mere places to play. These fields will cultivate a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship, imparting valuable life lessons that extend far beyond the foul lines,” Council member David Spencer said.

The event was a celebration of Orem’s reinvestment into its recreational amenities. Over 300 hot dogs and Cracker Jacks were handed out by Miss Orem Natalie Green and members of the council.

The infields of each of the five ball fields were completely remodeled with artificial turf, new drainage systems, new lighting and new scoreboards.

The project was funded in part by a $2 million grant from Utah County through the Tourism Tax Advisement Board, for the turf, and the Orem CARE Tax, covering the new lights and scoreboards.

Courtesy Orem City

This is phase one of the Lakeside Park Master Plan project. Future phases and improvements will focus on the soccer fields at the facility.

“This project was made possible by Utah County and the Orem CARE tax. CARE Tax is just one penny from every $10 spent in Orem but today is a testament to the power of a penny,” Spencer said. “The CARE Tax will be on the ballot again this November, so if you want to see more things like this happen in Orem, support the CARE Tax.”

The day ended with ceremonial first pitches by Young, city council members, Utah County Commissioner Tom Sakievich and members of Orem’s youth baseball program and recreation staff.

“These ball fields stand as a testament to our mayor and City Council’s commitment to providing world-class facilities that enrich the lives of our residents. Investing in the well-being and development of our community is what Family City USA is all about,” Spencer said.

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