Compton, CA — The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) unveiled part one of the completion of a multi-million dollar Dodgers DreamField complex at Gonzales Park in Compton. A joint partnership that includes the City of Compton, Kershaw’s Challenge and MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation in honor of the 74th anniversary of the legendary Jackie Robinson breaking baseball’s color barrier on April 15, 1947.
“The weight of a pandemic and calls for social justice magnify the importance of an already impactful Jackie Robinson Day,” said Nichol Whiteman, CEO of LADF. “In celebration of a legacy rooted in service, LADF has amplified its efforts to serve LA’s most vulnerable populations. With a history of dwindling resources and support, Compton deserves exceptional recreation spaces and comprehensive tools to thrive.”
Investing into the park allows the community and the kids to have a safe and secure place to play and be apart of organized sports, especially after suffering through a massive COVID-19 pandemic that caused many of the parks to close.
The Dodgers Dreamfields at Gonzales Park feature three fields with new playing surfaces, fencing, dugouts, irrigation upgrades, lighting, paint, and scoreboards.
“The upgrades to Gonzales Park will positively impact the Compton community, especially our youth, for years to come,” Mayor Aja Brown said. “We thank the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation for their commitment and investment to restore Jackie Robinson Stadium and we look forward to their continued partnership as we collectively invest in Compton youth and families.”
The facility includes massive renovations, including new playing surfaces, fencing, dugouts, irrigation upgrades, lighting, paint and scoreboards. Jackie Robinson field will allow baseball players ages 13 and over. Rachel Robinson across the park will allow baseball players under 12 and softball players under 18 to play.
“As we celebrate the legacy of Jackie Robinson, Kershaw’s Challenge is proud to partner with LADF to restore Gonzales Park to its baseball glory and create a welcoming environment for all ages,” Kershaw said. “What was once baseball heaven became a challenging place to play, making the sport inaccessible to kids in the neighborhood. With these hurdles in mind, Ellen and I are honored to help make a difference.”
The next phase of the of the project will be unveiled sometime in the Fall of 2021 and will include solar arrays, PV carports, EV charging stations, locker rooms, concession stands, a press box, ADA paths and restrooms.
