COMMUNITY JOURNALISM: Changes in store at southeast side softball complex

Editor's note: Julie Thompson and her husband, Brent, recently purchased the softball complex in southeast Cedar Rapids. You may contact Julie at julie@diamondssportspark.com or visit the website at www.diamondssportspark.com

By Julie Thompson, community contributor

CEDAR RAPIDS - As my husband, Brent, and I gazed out over the empty diamonds from the roof of the concession stand, we looked at each other and said with amazement: “Wow, we are really doing this.”

It was a memorable moment.

The “this” is our acquisition of “Diamonds Sports Park,” formerly Hitters/3rd Base Sports Park at the corner of Mount Vernon Road and Highway 13.

We have been busy during this mild winter preparing for the upcoming season. While there are many rumors floating around about the ballpark - as in previous years - we want current and prospective players to know there will be softball this summer.

In addition to offering adult men's and co-ed softball leagues, we will offer girls' fast-pitch leagues for 14U, 12U and 10U teams.

The weekends are going to be filled with baseball and softball tournaments for youth and adults.

We are adding an adult kickball league and adult sand volleyball. Along with the evening and weekend activities, the complex is available for corporate events and private bookings. We also plan to host several concerts and other outdoor events and have entertainment on the rooftop beer garden once or twice per week.

It's kind of our “Field of Dreams.”

We want the players, fans and people looking for a nice enjoyable evening under the stars to stop out and see what's new at “Diamonds Sports Park” this year.

n Want to join our team of community contributors? Email J.R. Ogden at jr.ogden@thegazette.com