Lyle S. Hallman Foundation contribution to support barrier-free upgrades at Kinsmen Stadium
CAMBRIDGE, Ont. — The City of Cambridge has secured a $500,000 donation from the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation to support the redevelopment of the Kin 1 Baseball Diamond at Kinsmen Stadium in Riverside Park into a fully accessible facility.
The contribution was formally presented at Cambridge City Council on May 26 and will help fund upgrades designed to improve accessibility for players, spectators and visitors of all abilities. The project forms part of the city’s broader efforts to expand inclusive recreational infrastructure and encourage active living within the community.
The accessible baseball diamond project is one of four major initiatives being funded through the Cambridge Play it Forward campaign, a municipal fundraising effort aimed at supporting large-scale recreational and community developments.
Foundation support strengthens accessibility goals
City officials said the donation highlights the importance of partnerships between municipalities and community organizations in delivering public infrastructure projects.
“Donations play an important role in advancing major community projects,” said Mayor Jan Liggett. “We are sincerely grateful to the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation, whose generous support helps ensure our city spaces are accessible and promote active living and well-being across all age groups – particularly among our youth.”
The planned upgrades to the Kin 1 Baseball Diamond will include a fully accessible parking area, hard-surface pathways and enhanced spectator seating intended to allow barrier-free movement throughout the site.
The city said the improvements are aimed at creating a more inclusive environment where athletes, families and fans can participate comfortably regardless of physical ability.
Enhancements planned for 2027 launch
The total budget for the Kin 1 Baseball Diamond redevelopment project is estimated at $3.025 million. Regular programming at the upgraded facility is expected to begin in spring 2027.
Municipal leaders said the project will improve access to organized sports and community recreation while modernizing one of Cambridge’s established sporting venues.
“We appreciate this donation from Lyle S. Hallman Foundation,” said City Manager Rob Axiak. “This investment will help us make enhancements to the ball diamond so players and fans of all abilities can stay connected, engaged and active.”
The city has increasingly focused on accessibility improvements across public spaces as municipalities throughout Ontario continue to invest in inclusive recreational infrastructure. Accessible sports facilities have become a growing priority for local governments seeking to remove participation barriers and expand opportunities for residents with disabilities.
Play it Forward campaign supports multiple capital projects
The Cambridge Play it Forward campaign was launched to provide residents, businesses and community organizations with opportunities to contribute financially to key city projects.
In addition to the Riverside Park baseball diamond redevelopment, the campaign also supports construction of the Cambridge Recreation Complex, expansion of the Preston Memorial Auditorium and development of a new soccer complex.
City officials said contributions through the campaign are intended to help accelerate project delivery while reducing financial pressures on municipal resources.
The Riverside Park upgrades are expected to improve the overall visitor experience at Kinsmen Stadium while ensuring the facility can accommodate a broader range of users and community programming.
As construction planning continues, the city said additional information regarding project timelines and campaign initiatives will be made available through municipal communications channels.