FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 7, 2018

MEDIA CONTACT: KIRA CALM LEWIS 301-446-3327 – or - Kira.CalmLewis@pgparks.com

The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation Recipients of 2018 All-Star Legacy Initiative by MLB and Washington Nationals

Riverdale, MD – The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation will be the recipients of one fully renovated youth baseball field, the “Nationals All-Star Field,” at the Walker Mill Regional Park in Capitol Heights. A secondary field to be reconfigured and improved to allow different age groups to utilize the fields and expand youth baseball play overall. These renovations are a donation from Major League Baseball, the Washington Nationals and the Nationals Dream Foundation as part of the 2018 All-Star Legacy initiative.

Areas of improvements will include field-grading, upgrades to sod and ballfield mix, and the additions of a brand new irrigation system, scoreboard, covered dugouts, bleachers with shade structures, fencing, batting cage and storage shed. Upgrades to the field will allow for a variety of youth-focused activities, including PLAY BALL events (e.g., Scotts MLB Pitch, Hit & Run; Jr. Home Run Derby), youth showcase and league games, and more. These improvements will enable the Department of Parks and Recreation to promote baseball and healthy, active lifestyles to more than 3,000 kids.

The 2018 All-Star Legacy initiative, which will lead to a variety of community enrichment projects throughout Greater Washington D.C. Through this annual Midsummer Classic program, approximately $5 million will go toward renovation and improvement activities designed to leave a lasting impact throughout the local community as well as support national charitable organizations with close ties to baseball.

In addition to the Walker Mill Regional Park youth baseball fields and facility renovations for the Department of Parks and Recreation, the 2018 All-Star Legacy effort features improvements to other regional sites as well. A local Boys & Girls Club, a USO depot serving military families throughout the region, youth-focused areas of a new affordable housing complex, and a mobile dental unit for underserved communities will also benefit from the Initiative. The various All-Star Legacy projects will be unveiled leading up to the 89th MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard.