News Summary

Sullivan Field’s renovation project has reached a significant milestone with over $50,000 raised through a public brick and wall campaign. The campaign, led by Fans of Valley Field, aims to restore the historic baseball park. The overall renovation has raised over $4 million of its $5 million goal, following construction resuming after a temporary pause due to wood rot. Renovations are set to be completed by fall 2026, introducing modern enhancements while preserving historical elements.

Grand Rapids

Sullivan Field’s renovations have reached a significant milestone, as the nonprofit organization Fans of Valley Field has surpassed $50,000 in its public brick and wall campaign aimed at funding the historic baseball park’s restoration efforts. This pivotal achievement comes as construction on the field resumes after being temporarily halted.

The brick purchase that pushed the campaign past the $50,000 mark was contributed by Dave Anderson, a former player for local teams including the Grand Rapids A’s and the Grand Rapids Haze. Sullivan Field, formerly known as Valley Field, is a historic venue situated on Grand Rapids’ West Side.

To date, the overall renovation campaign has successfully raised over $4 million against its ambitious goal of $5 million. Noteworthy funding sources include contributions from the state of Michigan, the city of Grand Rapids, and corporate donations from major businesses such as Meijer and Bissell, alongside generous donations from local residents and various other companies.

The renovation efforts commenced in October 2023 but faced an unexpected pause due to the discovery of wood rot in the grandstands. This issue increased project costs, prompting a reassessment of the scope of work. Following careful consideration, it was decided to renovate the historical grandstands, which have been a fixture since the park’s opening in 1937, rather than replace them entirely.

Project Scope and Timeline

Resuming construction on April 7, 2025, the renovation project is projected to be completed by fall 2026. The estimated cost of restoration has increased from an original projection of $4.2 million to $5 million, primarily due to additional work required on the grandstands.

In response to these increased expenses, the current fundraising goal is to secure an additional $600,000. The Fans of Valley Field are seeking broad community support, and there are still opportunities available for major donors to claim naming rights for various features within the newly designed space, including the stage and the pavilion.

Renovation Features

The planned upgrades will introduce several key enhancements to Sullivan Field, including:

• A new plaza and entrance
• Updated restrooms
• A dedicated museum
• Significant improvements to the grandstands

Additional renovation plans encompass regrading the infield, constructing a new main entrance, upgrading locker rooms, and developing museum displays that will honor players who have a historical association with the field.

Rich Historical Background

Sullivan Field has a deep-rooted history in the realm of sports, having hosted legendary players such as Satchel Paige and served as the home for several amateur teams, including the Negro League team known as the Grand Rapids Black Sox. The legacy of community engagement through sports has been a significant aspect of the site’s identity.

As part of the ongoing fundraising initiatives, individuals have the option to contribute by purchasing a brick for as little as $150. This acquisition not only supports the cause but also allows for personalized engravings on a donor wall located in the new plaza.

Upcoming Community Engagement Events

In an effort to further engage community participation, Fans of Valley Field plans to host a summer concert series, kicking off with an Easter egg hunt on April 19. These events aim to foster community spirit and maintain enthusiasm for the revitalization of Sullivan Field.

The collaborative efforts to restore Sullivan Field highlight a commitment to preserving an important piece of Grand Rapids’ sports history while introducing modern amenities to enhance the experience for fans and visitors alike.

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HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Wood TV: Construction Resumes at Sullivan Field
• Fox 17: Fans of Valley Field Launch Fundraiser
• Crain’s Grand Rapids: Sullivan Field Renovations
• MLive: Historic Baseball Field Renovation Update
• Wikipedia: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER

GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.