Henning Park Haunt delights all with ghoulish and silly fun

CALEDONIA—Prior to the “play ball” announcement for the Henning Park Haunt there was a recognition event with Caledonia Minor Hardball and the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The $101,100 capital grant from OTF will be used to install new LED lights in two of the six diamonds at the park; with two others given lighting four years ago, that leaves just two diamonds with no lights. Cutting the ribbon surrounded by dressed up ball players are members of Caledonia Minor Hardball and an OTF representative: (l-r) Kat Meahan (Executive), John Uildersma (President), Melissa Collver (OTF), Matt Bresk (Executive), and Dave Corlis (VP Executive). —Haldimand Press photos by Randy Carter.

To The Haldimand Press

CALEDONIA—Things are looking bright at Caledonia’s Henning Park.

                  On Saturday, October 19, 2024 local MPP Bobbi Ann Brady met with the team at Caledonia Minor Hardball to celebrate a $101,100 capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to fund upgrades to lighting in the park.

                  “The new LED bulb installation lights the path leading to new heights of success for Caledonia Minor Hardball,” said Brady. “The Trillium Foundation funding behind this advance means more playing time for more people and more safety. There are a lot of wins before anyone even takes the field. Congratulations and play ball!”

                  Awarded in June 2024, the grant funded the installation of LED bulbs on two of the ball diamonds at Henning Park in Caledonia. The project was completed earlier this month and will give residents and youth more available time to enjoy the sport they love, whether on the field or as part of the audience.

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                  The installation of LED bulbs not only allows baseball to be played safely for the participants, but also allows the park to add another league and streamline the scheduling of current leagues. Caledonia Minor Hardball is honoured to be the recipient of this funding, as the project could not have been completed without this support from OTF and the Government of Ontario.

                  “The impact of this Community Building Fund grant cannot be underestimated,” said John Uildersma, President of Caledonia Minor Hardball. “Brightening of the fields for baseball will allow users to participate in physical activities in a safe manner all season.”

                  Caledonia Minor Hardball, throughout its history of volunteers, is committed to preserving the green space at Henning Park and ensuring that it provides a safe environment to enjoy sporting activities for many years to come. If you would like to learn more about the Caledonia Minor Hardball, please visit our website at henningpark.com.

                  “Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like Caledonia Minor Hardball deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure they remain at the heart of the community for decades to come.”

                  The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110 million into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic wellbeing, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.