Norfolk Tides relaunch Youth Field Makeover Project; apply by Feb. 6

The Norfolk Tides have relaunched their Youth Field Makeover Project, inviting youth baseball and softball organizations across Hampton Roads to apply for a full-day field renovation. Applications opened with an announcement on Jan. 13, and organizations must submit materials by Feb. 6 to be considered.

To enter, email one photo and a one-paragraph description of the field to Heather McKeating at [email protected]. The selected makeover will be executed by the Tides’ grounds crew and front office staff, who typically work from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on project day. Renovation work can include regrading and leveling, topping the infield with turface, improvements to dugouts and refurbishing bleachers, providing a practical lift to fields that need safety and playability upgrades.

This is not the Tides’ first outreach effort. Since the inaugural project in 2012, the club has renovated 18 fields across the region, bringing hands-on upgrades to Eason’s Crossroads (Gates, NC), Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett’s Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton), Shore Little League (Suffolk), Cradock Little League (Portsmouth), Little Creek National (Norfolk), Gloucester Youth Baseball (Gloucester), Surry County Pony Baseball (Surry), Deer Park Youth Field (Newport News), Plaza Little League (Virginia Beach), Thalia/Malibu Baseball (Virginia Beach), Churchland Little League (Portsmouth), Albemarle (North Carolina), Suffolk Youth Athletic Association (Suffolk), Virginia Beach Little League (Virginia Beach), and Princess Anne Little League (Virginia Beach). The group’s previous work included a full makeover at Princess Anne Little League, demonstrating the type of transformation applicants can expect.

The project is funded through the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program the organization set up in 1990 to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. The fund receives partial support from scoreboard announcements at Harbor Park during the season. Anyone who wants to support future makeovers can donate through norfolktides.com under the "Harbor Park" section.

For leagues and rec programs, this opportunity is both practical and timely: a single day with a professional grounds crew can address safety hazards, improve drainage and playing surfaces, and rejuvenate community fields that host practices, games and tournaments. Apply before Feb. 6 by sending the required photo and paragraph to Heather McKeating at [email protected], and plan for a busy but rewarding workday when the Tides arrive to give your field a home-field boost.