Nearly six months after hurricane left its path of destruction across the CSRA, Kelley Park off of Riverwatch parkway has reopened.

Kelley Park was nearly destroyed by the hurricane but dozens were here in support of the re-opening.

Many did not know if the fields would be open due to the storm blowing hundreds of trees down, knocking out lights, dugouts and ripping up the field.

But with the help of the community, they were able to add new fields and make the space look and feel brand new.

“They came together and unified and said ‘I can donate this’ or ‘I can donate this’ or ‘what can we do’ so we came together, and we really didn’t know if this was going to happen but we’re going to do everything we can to make today happen and seeing the kids running around, even the t-ball kids running off the field. It’s something that can put a smile on your face and say all the hard work and effort is worth it and really allows us to say that I am proud of this board, proud of this community and proud of all these kids coming together today and making today happen,” says Martinez-Evans Little League President Caleb Meeks.

With the renovations they are actually able to expand.

“It gives us an opportunity to grow t-ball, and t-ball is the most important thing, that’s where kids start, that’s where they become teammates with other kids, I think that’s a great opportunity.”

the dedication was on the same day as opening day for the martinez-evans little league with more than 55 teams and 600 players excited to get the season started…

There were two fields dedicated at Kelly park to two men who played a big role in getting the fields playable again.

Ken Ludlow threw the first pitch, and a surprise dedication for Jess Evans whose grandson hit the first ball.

“It means a lot to me, I would’ve never dreamed of this, I go back to, if it wasn’t for little league I wouldn’t be here today, I was raised by a single mom, numerous people here have poured into my life,” explains Jess Evans.

Caleb Meeks adds, “”We’re so happy and proud that these two men’s names will always be on the parks here and when people ask 20, 30, 40 years from now ‘who is that, why is his name here’ we can say that he’s the one who helped this park be rebuilt and allow kids to be able to play baseball again at Kelley Park.”

Evans says Ludlow is like a father figure to him and felt honored to be part of his dedication because of how much the sport means to them.

The dedication ceremony showcased not only the hard work but tremendous community effort to get the park restored.