City Secures More Than $171,000 Through Field of Dreams Program
The City of Cambridge is set to move forward with major accessibility improvements at the Kin 1 Baseball Diamond after receiving $171,659 through the Jays Care Foundation’s 2026 Field of Dreams grant program.
The funding, announced Sunday, will support upgrades designed to make the baseball facility fully accessible and inclusive for athletes, families and spectators of all abilities. City officials say the investment represents an important step in expanding access to recreation and adaptive sports programming across the region.
The Kin 1 Baseball Diamond serves as a key recreational hub for several local baseball and softball organizations, including the Waterloo Region Challenger Baseball Buddy League, an adaptive baseball program that offers individuals aged five and older an opportunity to participate in the sport within a supportive environment.
Accessibility Improvements Already Underway
City officials say the funding will help accelerate ongoing upgrades at the facility, including the installation of artificial turf on the infield, covered dugouts, enhanced seating areas and paved pathways to improve mobility and access throughout the site.
Mayor Jan Liggett said the improvements will strengthen Cambridge’s commitment to inclusive recreation infrastructure while improving opportunities for athletes and families.
“We are grateful to the Jays Care Foundation for their support for this important work,” said Mayor Jan Liggett. “These improvements will enhance the experience for athletes of all abilities and help ensure Cambridge offers facilities that are welcoming and accessible for everyone in our community. Grants like this allow us to have a higher level of programs. Thanks Jays Care!”
The announcement generated significant excitement among local residents and participants in adaptive sports programs. More than 150 athletes and family members gathered Sunday for a Blue Jays watch party where the funding announcement was shared publicly.
Adaptive Sports Remain Growing Focus for Municipalities
Municipal governments across Ontario have increasingly invested in accessible recreation infrastructure as communities seek to expand programming for residents with disabilities and improve public access to sports facilities.
The Kin 1 Baseball Diamond project aligns with a broader trend of municipalities partnering with private foundations, corporate sponsors and community donors to fund inclusive recreation initiatives.
City Manager Rob Axiak said the upgraded facility is expected to become a unique community asset within both Cambridge and the broader Waterloo Region.
“The Kin 1 Baseball Diamond will be one of a kind in Cambridge and across the Region,” said City Manager Rob Axiak. “We are proud to support adaptive baseball programs and broaden access to recreation, helping more people get involved in community sport.”
Multiple Funding Partners Back Project
In addition to the Jays Care Foundation contribution, the City of Cambridge has secured financial support from several other organizations and fundraising initiatives tied to the project.
The Lyle S. Hallman Foundation has committed $500,000 toward the accessibility improvements, while Toyota has provided a $100,000 sponsorship. The City’s Play it Forward fundraising campaign has also contributed $3,325 to date.
Combined, the contributions significantly strengthen the city’s ability to complete the accessibility upgrades while reducing pressure on municipal funding sources.
Axiak said the project demonstrates strong community support for accessible recreation opportunities and highlights the growing importance of inclusive public infrastructure investments.
“The support from the Jays Foundation and our community donors speaks to the passion for sport in Cambridge and our collective commitment to making it more accessible for all,” said Axiak.
Community Donations Still Encouraged
City officials say fundraising efforts for the project will continue as construction and accessibility enhancements progress.
Local businesses, organizations and residents are being encouraged to contribute financially to the initiative through the City’s Play it Forward campaign, which supports community recreation and accessibility projects.
Municipal leaders say partnerships between local governments, corporate sponsors and charitable foundations are becoming increasingly important as communities seek to modernize aging recreational infrastructure while expanding equitable access to public facilities.
The Jays Care Foundation’s Field of Dreams program supports the development and enhancement of baseball diamonds and recreational spaces across Canada, with a focus on creating safe, inclusive and accessible environments for youth and community sports participation.
For Cambridge, officials say the Kin 1 Baseball Diamond project represents more than a facility upgrade — it is part of a longer-term effort to ensure community recreation spaces remain welcoming and accessible for residents of all ages and abilities.