About a dozen or so “heavy-hitters” spoke for an hour of how a former trash dump in the 1970s, and Brownfield site, has been transformed into a seven-field youth and collegiate baseball and softball complex. Brownfields are a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated because of the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance.

The festive occasion took place under shelter but on the hottest day of the summer yet and marked the official completion of the so-far successful-to-date $23 million project, envisioned 10 years ago, but which sort of stalled or slowed down, mostly because of the worldwide pandemic, said Gabriel Sinicropi, master of ceremonies and former vice chair of the chamber board.

“It’s really been transformed into something special as we all know, a modern baseball and softball complex that our community will be proud of,” Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter said.

Slaughter offered his appreciation to Gov. Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, (DEP), Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, the state legislators, the county commissioners, City Council and everyone who, he said, “played a part in bringing this project to fruition.”

Dave Kennedy/Sun-Gazette Lycoming County commissioner Scott Metzger talks about what he feels is a “gem” with the Lumber Yards.

“Most importantly, this site is no longer a symbol of the past,” Slaughter said. “It is now a place that will bring families together, attract visitors, support local businesses and help grow new economic development right here in Williamsport and Lycoming County . . . thanks for everyone here who made this all possible . . . let’s continue to celebrate it together.”

“Like the baseball movie (Field of Dreams) this wasn’t about building baseball fields, it was about believing in an idea, believing that investing in our community creating public-private partnership would bring families together, attract visitors to our city, support local business and give kids a place to make memories,” said City Council President Eric Beiter. “Every great community needs places where people gather, where lifelong friendships are formed, where life lessons are learned,” he said.

“Years from now nobody will remember who threw out the first pitch, but thousands of athletes will remember their first hit, their first great catch and when their love of baseball and softball first started. That’s the real impact of this project,” Beiter said.

Remarks were given by Jay Alexander, chairman of the chamber board, state Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock, who noted how so far on weekends there are 423 parking spaces full, and who asked for a round of applause for the commitment and dedication for the lead individual who pursued this field of dreams – Jason Fink, president/CEO of the chamber.

“I encouraged them to do it,” Yaw said of the DEP. “Take this Brownfield project and look at what it might become.” “We made a notable impression on a lot of people,” he said.

Dave Kennedy/Sun-Gazette Annabelle Fry from South Williamsport throws the first softball pitch during the Lumber Yards dedication ceremony.

He even foretold the future for Beiter and other city leaders who he said better get ready to hear complaints from people downtown who can’t find parking as they go to the restaurants downtown.

There are tournaments that are expected to attract hundreds if not thousands of visitors who will shop, dine and stay in the city and region.

County Commissioner Scott Metzger when considering how to spend a portion of the $22 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds it would need to be for a “generational” purpose. The county sunk $1 million in ARPA into the Lumber Yards.

“What better use of that $1 million for generations to come on these ballfields?” Metzger asked.

“We also talked about the Brownfield grant and the loan from the chamber to put those monies back into a Brownfield. “This was an old city dump and it took teamwork and vision and partnerships to become a reality,” Metzger said.

The commissioner further mentioned how these fields will become an attraction for youth participation, and he reminisced a bit – saying he grew up on the hill over there, pointing behind him – saying that – “underneath the city dump are my baseball cards,” he said. “My mom threw them out on me and may my baseball cards rest in peace. We now have a gem instead of an eyesore.”

“Maybe if we planted some corn outside the outfield fences Kevin Costner might just stop by for a cameo appearance in our fields of dreams,” he said, adding how Costner was here for Little League (August 2000) and might come back, he said.

He also looked forward to driving down the highway and seeing all the line of cars coming into this complex to watch the kids enjoy these fields.

He referenced the popularity of “travel ball” as a huge attraction in Cooperstown, New York, as similar to what might occur at the Lumber Yards.

“It’s a big attraction,” he said, adding how kids and their families playing at the facility can also take a trip to Carl E. Stotz Field (Original Field), visit 100-year-old Historic Bowman Field, and go to the Little League complex, to see the Little League Hall of Fame and enjoy all the wonderful things there.

The Lumber Yards will serve as home to the Pennsylvania College of Technology’s softball and baseball programs.

“We are honored to call Williamsport Lumber Yards home to our NCAA baseball and softball teams,” said Penn College President Mike Reed.

Prospective student athletes visit the campus and take a short walk down to see these fields, their smiles tell you everything you need to know about this beautiful addition to our community,” Reed said.

“They can’t wait to become Penn College Wildcats and play right here!”

As neighbors to the Lumber Yards, the college can testify of the facility’s positive impact on the region.

“In the first few months of operation, the Lumber Yards have proven to be a premiere baseball and softball destination, serving as a gateway for thousands to experience Williamsport and Lycoming County,” he said.

This site represents the remarkable transformation of a Brownfield into a 28-acre field of dreams, he said, “thanks to the vision, leadership, and persistence of many we have a tremendous asset that will serve this community for generations to come.”

The Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce established Williamsport Ballpark Inc. in 2019 to serve as the landholding entity for the Williamsport Lumber Yards.

It was purchased in December 2019 the former Susquehanna Supply and Danneker Family properties, which combined total 28 acres at 2 Rose St.

Construction of the Williamsport Lumber Yards began in June 2025 and the complex opened for play in April 2026.

Williamsport Ballpark Inc. has contracted with ESM Liberty to lease the Williamsport Lumber Yards and serve as operator of the complex.

The project also was made possible through contributions from Geisinger Medical Center, UPMC, First Commonwealth Bank, EQT, Allison Crane & Rigging, and the Lycoming Economic Development Foundation. Several speakers representing these entities hit it out of the ballpark with their words of encouragement and praise for all involved, for sponsors and for those who sought out and provided sponsorships and funds to make these fields of dreams a reality.

This year, before the annual Little League World Series begins next month, 13,000 athletes and their supporters are expected to use these fields before the world series, said Amy Brooks, of the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau.

Brooks, ultimately, also gave full credit to whom she called “our coach, Jason Fink, (president and CEO of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce) for his “passion, persistence and leadership.” “Without his drive, dedication and commitment to the chamber and the community this project would have died during COVID,” Brooks said.

“For everyone who shared their time, talent and resources along the way, ‘thank you’ is definitely not enough,” she said.