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Belfield Unites for Ambitious Baseball Field Project

josiah c. cuellar, the dickinson press, n.d.
·4 min read

Jul. 31—BELFIELD, N.D. — The open prairie land on the Northwest side of Belfield is now witnessing a remarkable transformation, fueled by the collective passion and commitment of its residents. Led by President Paulette Schaff, the Belfield Parks and Recreation board is spearheading the construction of the William C. Blair Post 144 field, an ambitious project that promises to become a symbol of community pride.

The primary objective of this endeavor is to provide the Belfield community with a state-of-the-art ballpark, offering an enhanced experience for the town's burgeoning athletic programs. With a record 137 children participating in their sports programs, Schaff recognizes the profound impact this project will have on the young participants.

"You get to know each one of them, and they are just great kids. We got to give them the opportunity, and I think by doing that, they learn so much. They learn sportsmanship, they learn teamwork, and they create friendships that will last them forever," she said.

In recognition of their significant contributions, the ballpark will be named after the local American Legion Post, Post 144. Having been steadfast supporters of baseball in the area, Post 144's donations of approximately $90,000 are instrumental in making this dream a reality. Their unwavering commitment has left an indelible mark on local baseball, with prior contributions to the John Steiner Baseball Field.

The project commenced in the summer, bolstered by the generous assistance of local businesses and charitable individuals. Hlebechuk Construction played a vital role, providing essential dirt work at discounted rates. Meanwhile, Western Fence offered substantial cost savings on the fencing, bringing the vision of a new baseball field within reach.

Among the project's champions is Kurt Silbernagel of Silbernagel Lawn Co., whose dedication to community athletics spans over a decade. Having installed the field's sprinkler system, Silbernagel has been at the forefront of fostering Little League, Babe Ruth, and Legion baseball programs in the area. The impact of his efforts has been far-reaching, creating opportunities for young athletes that extend beyond the field.

Richard Zacher, a member of the parks board and a senior mechanic of ONEOK, has been instrumental in navigating the project's development. A problem solver by nature, Zacher's contributions have been invaluable to overcoming challenges along the way. Quentin Obrigewitsch from KLJ handled surveying duties, while Paulette's son, Dan Schaff, and HTG Architects generously provided their services pro-bono, offset by advertising signs at the new field. This selfless gesture significantly reduced the project's overall costs, ensuring its progress.

As the project nears completion, the community is eagerly anticipating its myriad benefits. The new field will provide opportunities for both children and adults to enjoy recreational activities.

"We have actually said no to adult softball the last two years because we don't have any field time available," Schaff explained.

The expanded facilities will also alleviate concerns for nearby residents, as fewer foul balls will venture into their vicinity.

However, there is still more work to be done to fully realize the project's potential. The Belfield Parks and Recreation board estimates that an additional $250,000 will be needed for the next phase of construction, encompassing the concession building, restrooms, bleachers, and a walkway. Undeterred, Schaff is optimistic about the future, vowing to continue seeking donations to bring the project to its fullest potential.

Reflecting on the overwhelming community support, Schaff expressed her gratitude to local businesses and residents who have generously contributed. The project's success thus far has been a testament to the community's shared vision and determination.

"They have been great supporters of ours. Without them, none of this would have been possible," Schaff said.

With the finishing touches soon to be in place, the once empty prairie will transform into a vibrant, green space, adorned with fluttering flags and bustling concession stands. The envisioned William C. Blair Post 144 field will serve as a testament to the unity and camaraderie of the Belfield community. As they break ground on a shared dream, the spirit of togetherness will continue to drive this extraordinary project forward.

"Just picture it. All green, trees around it, our flags up and our concession stands," Schaff said. "And as long as we have people like Kurt, Richard and others in our community, it will be a wonderful completed project."