Macombs Dam Park

The Daily Plant : Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Celebrating Jackie Robinson’s Legacy At Macombs Dam Park

Photo by Daniel Avila

On Sunday, April 15, as part of the celebrations of the 65th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Major League Baseball and Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) hosted a baseball and softball clinic on the new baseball field in Macombs Dam Park, on the site of the original Yankee Stadium.

About 200 young boys and girls from programs throughout the New York area attended. Also in attendance were Jackie’s daughther Sharon Robinson, Yankee legend Reggie Jackson, Los Angeles Angel of Anaheim LaTroy Hawkins, Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe, VP of MLB Community Relations Tom Brasuell, RBI Director David James, and MLB Network Analyst Harold Reynolds.

The RBI program is a MLB youth outreach initiative designed to give underserved young people and communities the opportunity to play baseball and softball, encourage academic success and teach the value of teamwork and other important life lessons.

"It gives us great pride to commemorate the 65th anniversary of Jack's barrier-breaking accomplishments," said Rachel Robinson, Jackie's wife and Founder of the Jackie Robinson Foundation. "This anniversary serves as a reminder of Jack's enduring legacy and the profound impact he had on America. It is my hope that this commemoration serves as an inspiration to all as we look to unite behind our common goals."

The 17-acre Macombs Dam Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities in a one-of-a-kind setting. It is the largest piece of more than 32-acres of new and renovated parks that have been built as part of the Yankee Stadium Area Redevelopment Project.

The lower, 10.78 acre portion, was completed in November of 2011. It is constructed in the footprint of the old Yankee Stadium and includes the Macombs Dam ballfields, formerly known as Heritage Field, and Ruppert Plaza. It features three championship-quality grass ballfields for baseball, softball and little league (with the southern baseball field aligned with the original Stadium’s footprint); event space for track and field competition including discus, shot put, and javelin; ample spectator seating; a new garden irrigated by a natural rain water system; new field-level public toilets; a playground; and berms and other extensive landscaping, including more than 300 new trees.

BECOME A POP MENTOR AND HELP GUIDE SOMEONE TO SUCCESS!

Have you been thinking about giving back but are not sure how? Are you interested in having an impact on someone but don’t know if you have the time? Keep reading!
The Parks Opportunity Program (POP) is excited to offer a mentorship opportunity to year-round Parks employees beginning April 27.
The Mentoring for Success Program is designed to promote career exploration, professional development, and empowerment for POP trainees through mentor guidance.
In order to participate as a mentor you will need approval from your supervisor, and the ability to commit to at least 4 hours/month for 6 months during work hours.
To apply, send an email to Katia.Caldwell@parks.nyc.gov by April 20. If you don’t have access to email please call (212) 830-7754 and say you are interested in being a mentor for POP.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

“It is difficult to get a man to understand something
when his job depends on not understanding it.”

Upton Sinclair
(1878 - 1968)