Wheatland Little League (WLL) is a non-profit, tax exempt youth baseball organization affiliated with Little League International. We are a totally volunteer run organization that has completed five successful years of service to our communities. The WLL serves youth ages 5-14 in rural Eastern Washington and includes the geographic boundaries of four school districts and the majority of the population in Lincoln County, Washington. The reason for starting WLL was to improve the quality of baseball for players by standardizing the rules, improving equipment and improving safety. An additional reason was to provide an avenue for players to compete in district, state and national tournaments. These goals have been met.
The next step is to develop quality fields for the players. There are no Little League fields in our league’s geographic area that includes the boundaries of the Davenport, Harrington, Hunters and Reardan/Edwall school districts. Players have had to play on school facilities, in parks and generally anywhere there is a patch of grass. No playing area available has bathrooms, drinking water or concessions stands. Additionally no playing area can accommodate more than one game at a time. Families must split up or choose which of their children’s games to attend. The "Field of Dreams" will correct all of the present short comings.
WLL has entered into a thirty year lease with the City of Davenport, WA for approximately 17.5 acres to be developed into a Little League complex. The partnership with Davenport provides that the city will provide irrigation water, maintenance and other services in exchange for ownership of the improvements. WLL will control the facilities during the Little League season. The project includes four baseball fields, restrooms, concession stand, equipment storage, meeting room and parking. Three baseball fields will be Little League compliant and the fourth field will be full size. Several pro-bono professionals are assisting. WLL is receiving the services of an architectural firm, engineering firm, law firm, and the Lincoln County Economical Development Council.
Written endorsements of the project have been approved by both the City of Davenport and Lincoln County. Lion’s Clubs and approximately twenty businesses in the combined communities have contributed to WLL financially for the operations for the past five years and have provided letters of endorsement.
To-date the goals of the WLL have been paid for with local team sponsorships, donations and fees. The "Field of Dreams" project is, even with extensive volunteer list, beyond our financial ability and will require grant donation funding from organizations that share our vision for youth and Little League Baseball. The expected benefits from this project will be an increase in the recreational opportunities, as well as building team playing skills and future leadership roles. This will create a family friendly environment offered to the local youth, and a sense of pride for being part of such a facility.
The WLL board of Directors is seeking your financial support for our "Field of Dreams". We are looking forward to building quality fields for our youth. Please consider this project; with your help we can make this a reality.
Thank you for your consideration of this request. If I can be of assistance on behalf of this request please let me know.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Regan, Board Member
Wheatland Little League
P.O. Box 561
Davenport, WA 99122
(509) 725-0568
stephanie078@centurytel.net