The City of Cambridge has officially reopened the KIN1 Accessible Ball Diamond following a $3.025-million improvement project designed to remove barriers and expand access to community recreation for athletes and spectators of all abilities.
The Ontario city marked the completion of the upgraded facility on September 19 with a community event attended by Buddy League athletes and families, sponsors, donors, members of council and municipal staff. The celebration featured exhibition baseball games, family activities, giveaways, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the unveiling of a donor wall recognizing organizations and individuals that supported the project.
Accessible Upgrades Expand Recreation Opportunities in Cambridge
The KIN1 project focused on making the ball diamond more accessible and creating an inclusive environment for both players and spectators.
Improvements include accessible pathways, artificial turf on the infield, covered dugouts and upgraded seating. The changes are intended to reduce physical barriers while supporting broader participation in baseball and adaptive sports.
“Today is a celebration of what is possible when community partners come together with a shared commitment to inclusion,” said Mayor Jan Liggett. “The Kin1 Accessible Ball Diamond will help ensure athletes of all abilities have a welcoming place to play, connect, and build lasting memories right here in Cambridge. While athletes may experience the game in different ways, the feelings it creates are universal: the excitement of competition, the exhilaration of movement, and the pure joy that comes from being on the field.”
The reopening reflects a broader municipal focus on ensuring public recreation infrastructure can serve a wider range of residents.
Community Partners Help Finance $3.025 Million Project
The project was budgeted at $3.025 million and received nearly $830,000 in contributions from community partners and donors.
Among the organizations supporting the development was Jays Care Foundation, which provided $171,659 through its Field Of Dreams granting program made possible by TD. The funding was directed toward accessibility improvements at the baseball diamond.
The foundation also supported the reopening event through programming, volunteer assistance and giveaways for attendees.
“This project reflects Cambridge’s commitment to broadening access to recreation and creating spaces where everyone can participate,” said Acting City Manager Lesley Head. “We are proud to support adaptive sport in our community and grateful to the sponsors, donors, staff and volunteers who helped bring this important facility to life.”
Other contributors to the project included the L.S. Hallman Foundation, Toyota Motor Manufacturing and CUPE 1882. Additional community funding was raised through the City of Cambridge’s Play it Forward campaign.
Jays Care Foundation Supports Inclusive Baseball Facilities
Jays Care Foundation’s involvement connects the Cambridge project with broader efforts to use baseball infrastructure and programming to increase opportunities for children, youth and families.
“Jays Care Foundation is proud to support communities that are using baseball to create a sense of belonging and opportunity,” said Meghan Kennedy, Director of Programs. “KIN1 Accessible Ball Diamond is a powerful example of how inclusive sport spaces can help more children, youth and families experience the joy of the game.”
The upgraded facility is intended to provide a dedicated environment where athletes with different accessibility needs can participate while families and spectators can more easily use the surrounding infrastructure.
Play it Forward Campaign Continues to Seek Support
The City’s Play it Forward campaign continues to accept contributions from businesses and community members interested in supporting local recreation infrastructure.
The donor wall unveiled during the reopening recognizes organizations and individuals whose contributions helped finance the KIN1 Accessible Ball Diamond improvements.
With construction completed and the facility reopened, Cambridge now has an upgraded community sports venue designed around accessibility and participation. The project combines municipal investment with private and community contributions, providing new infrastructure intended to support adaptive baseball and inclusive recreation for residents across the city.