Field of Dreams

Our idea is to develop Thorhild’s “Field of Dreams” — a third community ball diamond that will expand access to youth sports, recreation, and community events in Thorhild County.

This project is a grassroots collaboration between Thorhild Minor Ball, the Thorhild & District Agricultural Society, and the Feledichuk Curran Memorial Ball Tournament—three organizations united by a shared goal of promoting healthy, active living and fostering community spirit.

After a 20-year hiatus, Thorhild Minor Ball was revived in 2023 and now welcomes more than 70 local players each season. With two existing diamonds already at full capacity, an additional field is essential to meet growing demand—particularly for 11U Boys Baseball and U18 Girls Softball. The new diamond will allow concurrent practices, league play, and tournaments, while enabling the Feledichuk Curran Memorial Tournament to expand from 16 to 24 teams. This growth not only increases recreation opportunities but also fuels local economic and tourism benefits through visiting teams and families.

The proposed diamond will be located at the former Thorhild School site, transforming an underutilized green space into a safe, functional community asset. The design includes site grading and shale groundwork, new chain-link fencing, bleachers, and roofed dugouts — providing a high-quality, low-maintenance facility suitable for youth sport and community events alike.

This project is about more than baseball; it’s about creating a space where youth, families, and visitors connect through sport. The field will host league games, tournaments, and community gatherings that bring generations together, celebrating local pride and active living.

The Field of Dreams project will help ensure that every child who wants to play has a field to play on—and that our rural community continues to thrive through teamwork, recreation, and shared pride in place.

The Field of Dreams project will benefit youth, families, and the entire community of Thorhild County by expanding access to safe, inclusive, and high-quality recreation space.

At its core, this project supports local youth—the fastest-growing segment of our rural population. Thorhild Minor Ball now serves more than 70 players each season, with registrations rising annually. The existing two diamonds are already at capacity, forcing teams to limit practice times and turning away potential players. The new diamond will directly benefit players aged 4 to 18, by providing the space needed for equitable scheduling, skill development, and tournament play.

It will also benefit families and volunteers, many of whom dedicate time to coaching, organizing, and maintaining the existing facilities. More diamonds mean less congestion, safer conditions, and the ability to host community-wide events that engage people of all ages. Parents will have more opportunities to watch their children play locally, while grandparents and residents can gather to enjoy a true community pastime.

The Feledichuk Curran Memorial Ball Tournament, a major annual event honoring local legacy and community spirit, will also see substantial benefit. With room to expand to 24 teams, the tournament will attract hundreds of visitors to Thorhild—stimulating local businesses such as restaurants, gas stations, and accommodations. The event’s proceeds are reinvested into local programs and infrastructure, meaning every game played on the new diamond helps fund more community initiatives. To date, the tournament has given back over $83,000 to the community of Thorhild.

The Thorhild & District Agricultural Society will benefit through enhanced facility usage and stronger alignment between its programs, including the annual Tradeshow & Family Fair, which runs concurrently with the ball tournament. Together, these events generate economic activity, volunteer opportunities, and a sense of shared pride in Thorhild’s growth.

Beyond organized sport, this project benefits the wider community. The diamond will serve as a gathering place for casual recreation, school and home-school programs, and public events—encouraging healthy, active living and social connection.

Ultimately, the Field of Dreams will benefit everyone who calls Thorhild home. It’s an investment in our youth, our local economy, and the lasting spirit of teamwork and togetherness that defines rural Alberta communities.