First Ever “Run the Bases 5k/10k” to Benefit Build Our Ballpark
Cedar Valley SportsPlex Hosts Event to Support Ballpark Projects WATERLOO, IOWA (July 31, 2014) – One local nonprofit hopes to hit a grand slam with a brand new 5K/10K because of the cause behind it and the unique twist they’re adding. The first-ever Run the Bases 5K/10K will be hosted by the Cedar Valley SportsPlex on Saturday, August 16. All proceeds will benefit Build Our Ballpark. Build Our Ballpark, founded in 2008, has helped build or renovate 15 youth baseball and softball fields across Waterloo, and is now working on projects in...
read moreFourth Annual Coaches of the Year Nominations Open
Awards to Recognize Volunteer Coaches’ Commitment to Kids WATERLOO, IOWA (July 9, 2014) – The fourth annual Build Our Ballpark Coaches of the Year ceremony will take place Monday, August 4, honoring volunteer youth baseball and softball coaches in Waterloo. Hosted by Build Our Ballpark and Waterloo Leisure Services, the Coaches of the Year awards began in 2011 to recognize coaches who exceed expectations in teaching kids about baseball, softball and life. Bob Hellman founded Build Our Ballpark, a nonprofit dedicated to providing kids quality...
read moreSecond Annual Sweepstakes Celebrates Youth Baseball Softball Day
Build Our Ballpark Gives Kids Another Chance to Win Big WATERLOO, IOWA (May 6, 2014) – After a successful event last spring, local nonprofit Build Our Ballpark is once again sponsoring a sweepstakes for young baseball and softball players to win a shopping spree for new equipment. In celebration of Youth Baseball Softball Day on May 19, the second annual sweepstakes will allow one winner and his or her team to receive Dick’s Sporting Goods gift cards. “We had so many great entries last year and couldn’t wait to do it again,” said Bob Hellman,...
read moreHellman Wins State Award for Volunteer Leadership
Governor Branstad Presents Iowa Nonprofit Summit Awards WATERLOO, IOWA (November 15, 2013) – Not many people get to celebrate their birthday by accepting an award from the governor, but that’s exactly what happened to Bob Hellman on November 7. As the founder of Build Our Ballpark, a Waterloo-based nonprofit committed to providing the assistance needed to build or improve ballparks for kids, Hellman was named the Outstanding Volunteer or Service Manager at the 2013 Iowa Nonprofit Summit. “I didn’t realize how many people and other outstanding...
read moreCedar Valley Coaches Honored for Excellence
Coaches of the Year Awards Recognize Dedication WATERLOO, IOWA (August 9, 2013) – Eleven local coaches and one umpire were recognized at the third annual Coaches of the Year Awards on Wednesday. The event was hosted by Waterloo Leisure Services and Build Our Ballpark, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of youth by providing the opportunity to play baseball and softball. About 100 coaches, players, parents and community members attended the ceremony at the Boat House in Waterloo to honor the commitment and sportsmanship...
read moreBuild Our Ballpark Adds New Team Member
Robin Lund Joins Board of Directors WATERLOO, IOWA (June 10, 2013) – Build Our Ballpark, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of youth by providing the opportunity to play baseball and softball, has announced the addition of Dr. Robin Lund to its Board of Directors. Lund is an associate professor of movement and exercise science at the University of Northern Iowa. He also coaches his three children’s Optimist League baseball and softball teams, and leads a group at UNI in conducting in-depth research on softball and...
read moreBallpark’s Transformation to be Celebrated at Family Fun Event
Riverfront Sports Park Grand Opening Includes Entertainment and Excitement for All WATERLOO, IOWA (May 17, 2013) – The wait is finally over. Twenty long months, nearly one million dollars, hundreds of hours of labor, and dozens of dedicated individuals culminate into one big summer event: the Grand Opening of Riverfront Sports Park in Waterloo. Thursday, June 20, will be one for the record books for Iowa’s youth baseball and softball community as a public ceremony celebrates the renovation completed by local nonprofit Build Our Ballpark and...
read moreSweepstakes Celebrates Iowa’s Youth Baseball Softball Day
Big Prizes to be Awarded by Sponsor Seeking Stories WATERLOO, IOWA (May 1, 2013) – Youth baseball and softball seasons are in full swing, and now players have a chance to win big for their team. In celebration of Youth Baseball Softball Day on May 19, local nonprofit Build Our Ballpark is sponsoring a promotion that awards the sweepstakes winner along with each player and coach from his or her team a Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card. “In 2009, Governor Culver helped us proclaim this holiday statewide,” said Bob Hellman, Build Our Ballpark...
read moreBuild Our Ballpark Earns 2013 Cedar Valley Partner Award
Organization Honored by Alliance & Chamber WATERLOO, IOWA (March 12, 2013) – Earning the 2013 Cedar Valley Partner Award from the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber is no small feat. But neither is developing and restoring 15 baseball and softball fields. That’s why Build Our Ballpark was deemed a deserving recipient of the prestigious award. The Cedar Valley Partner Award recognizes an organization that promotes economic growth and employment, quality of life, offers leadership or makes outstanding contributions to the Cedar...
read moreFormer Minnesota Twins Player Leads Local Coaching Clinic
April Program to Benefit Area Softball and Baseball Coaches WATERLOO, IOWA (March 6, 2013) – It’s not every day coaches receive training from an accomplished player and coach, but that’s exactly what area softball and baseball coaches can do this spring. Waterloo’s very own Riverfront Sports Park will host a Play Ball! Minnesota Coaching Clinic led by former Minnesota Twins infielder, Brian Raabe. The event, intended to improve coaching skills and promote the importance of coaching youth softball and baseball teams, will take place Sunday,...
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