For more than two years, MEB employees have dedicated countless weekends to renovating Veterans Field, helping restore youth baseball facilities that had been abandoned and unused for more than 20 years.
After local youth athletes in Creswell, NC were forced to travel to neighboring counties to participate in recreational sports, a group of community members came together in 2024 with a shared goal: provide local children with a safe and reliable place to play again. That effort quickly turned into a major community project, with MEB superintendents Joel Harris and T.C. Patrick contributing their construction knowledge and field experience to help lead the work.
The renovation effort has included demolition of multiple dilapidated structures, replacement of more than 1,000 linear feet of chain-link fencing, removal of four structurally compromised dugouts, and construction of larger dugouts. Site and grounds improvements have included drainage installation to mitigate flooding, placement of crushed slag in spectator areas, and installation of proper infield clay materials to restore playable field conditions.
Supported by state grant funding, local business donations, and continued contributions from MEB, the project is helping bring youth athletics back to the community.