By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
After a yearlong construction project, an extensive fundraising appeal and a heavy dose of dreaming, the wraps will be taken off a community amenity this weekend.
The grand opening celebration of the much-anticipated Treyton’s Field of Dreams development will take place at 3 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 4, at Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road.
In the weeks leading up to the event, Matt Amundson, parks and recreation director, said construction crews have put a number of finishing touches on the site, including the installation of backstop netting, fencing and light poles.
“Construction has really progressed,” Amundson reported to the Whitewater Common Council at their most recent meeting Sept. 16. “The field is taking shape.”
Saturday’s kickoff celebration will likely carry a mix of emotions for attendees. The venue pays homage to Treyton Kilar, who died four years ago in a car crash. At the time, Kilar was 6 years old.
In his brief life, Kilar was an avid sports fan. He met several members of the Milwaukee Brewers and played baseball within the community.
Amundson described Saturday’s event as a family-friendly gathering that is designed to bring the entire community together.
A sampling of the festivities will include an opening ceremony that will pay tribute to Kilar and a singing of the National Anthem by a local choir.
At 3:30 p.m., fifth-graders will be playing a baseball game. The fitting gesture pays tribute to Kilar, who would have been in that grade level in school. At about 6 p.m., the field will open up to all children.
The day’s festivities will cap off at 7 p.m. with an outdoor showing of the film, “Angels in the Outfield.”
Other festivities will include a bouncy house, face painting, assorted games and a softball skills clinic.
“We’re really excited to add this facility to our line-up of venues for recreational programming,” Amundson said.
