Fish Creek Little League (FCLL) in Calgary has received a significant boost through the Jays Care Foundation's Field of Dreams grant, which will fund major upgrades to the McKenzie Lake Diamond. The diamond, located behind Mackenzie Lake School, is one of 22 recipients of the 2026 Field of Dreams grant, with more than $2.6 million committed across Canada. This marks the largest infrastructure investment by the foundation since the program began in 2000.
Grant Details and Community Support
The funding aims to help local organizations upgrade and revamp community baseball diamonds, expanding the game nationwide. Since its inception, the foundation has invested over $24 million in 262 Field of Dreams projects. FCLL plans to use the grant to fence in the diamond, build covered dugouts, and install a permanent pitching mound. Currently used for T-Ball, the upgrades will make it suitable for players aged 8 to 12 in the minor and majors divisions.
Stephanie McArthur, FCLL's social media coordinator, noted that the application process was extensive, but letters of support from the City of Calgary, McKenzie Lake Community Association, the Calgary Board of Education, and Ward 14 Coun. Landon Johnson were instrumental. "We're hoping with that kind of support from Coun. Johnson's office, we can get this done with the city quickly and easily," McArthur said.
Timing and Impact
The grant comes at an opportune time for FCLL, which saw a 20 per cent increase in spring registrations following the Blue Jays' World Series run last fall. With over 1,300 kids registered this year, McArthur is excited about the new space. "I think that just having it related to the Blue Jays is going to be something really exciting for them. Hopefully we can nickname it the Jays field or something," she added.
FCLL hopes to complete the upgrades in time for the fall ball program, but expects them to be finished by the 2027 spring registration. The organization was one of three Alberta groups selected for funding this year, alongside South Jasper Minor Baseball in Edmonton and the Strathmore & District Agricultural Society.
Peter King, executive director of Jays Care Foundation, emphasized the program's mission: "The 22 communities selected share in our commitment of giving more Canadian kids the opportunity to grow through the power of baseball. These upgraded diamonds will give kids a safe place where they can build character, resilience, and a sense of belonging through the game."
