A new "Field of Dreams" baseball diamond has opened at Lambton Centennial Public School (LCPS).
The school, on Oil Heritage Road in Petrolia, was awarded a $150,000 grant in 2025 from the Jays Care Foundation and TD to build it.
LCPS Phys Ed teacher Steve McGrail initiated the application in 2024, and called the finished result a true team effort.
"I am incredibly proud to have been a part of this process," McGrail said at the grand opening.
Speaking directly to the students, he added, "Let’s take care of it, keep it in great shape, and make sure it remains a special place for kids to play on for generations to come."
Local dignitaries, including Petrolia Mayor Brad Loosley and Enniskillen Deputy Mayor Judy Krall, attended.
A memorial bench honouring former LCPS student Krista Hyatt, a baseball enthusiast who passed away in 1996, was also unveiled.
Lambton Kent District School Board Public Relations Officer Caress Lee said the diamond will be utilized for both baseball and softball.
"It's obviously going to be used for school recess, gym classes, and that sort of thing," Lee said. "But, it's actually going to be open to the community too. So, Enniskillen, Petrolia and the surrounding community."
The charitable arm of the Toronto Blue Jays committed over $1.5 million in infrastructure investments last year.
The diamonds help expand the game of baseball across Canada and provide a safe and inclusive space to develop important life skills, learn from positive role models, build friendships and grow a love for the game.
In 2024, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation received a $90,000 Field of Dreams grant to improve landscaping, install new fencing, a backstop and dugouts at its field.
