Big Plans For West Hartford Girls Softball To Be Celebrated

Town of West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — In a major milestone for the West Hartford Girls' Softball League, construction of long-awaited dugouts at Sterling Field has finally started.

After 43 years of playing without dugouts providing shelter during games, girls participating in the WHGSL will now have a safe, official space to prepare for games and support their teammates.

A special Opening Day ceremony and groundbreaking will be held at noon on Sunday, April 27, at Sterling Field, 356 Price Blvd., West Hartford.

In attendance will be West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor, West Hartford Town Manager Rick Ledwith, West Hartford Public Works Grounds Operations Manager Justin Andrews, and West Hartford Director of Leisure Services & Social Services Helen Rubino-Turco.

The project began in 2022, when a former WHGSL player wrote to the town highlighting the disparity between the condition and facilities of the town's softball and baseball fields.

Her letter to the town officials sparked a conversation about the need for improvements and the importance of equity in youth sports.

One year later, in 2023, the WHGSL leadership team, including WHGSL President Joslyn Austin and the town administration, created a comprehensive 10-year strategic plan to improve softball facilities at Sterling Field and Norfeldt Field.

Thanks to the hard work and collaboration of all parties involved, the West Hartford Town Council approved the building and installation of the dugouts in the fall of 2023, finally making this long-awaited improvement a reality.

“This is an important project for our town and the West Hartford Girls Softball League," said Cantor. "By creating a safe environment for girls to play, we have leveled the playing field for girl athletes now and into the future.

"With $50,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, we were able to make this much-anticipated dream come true."

League officials called the project a "symbolic shift" in how girls' sports are recognized locally.

"This project represents not just a physical upgrade, but also a symbolic shift in recognizing the importance of equitable facilities for young female athletes," said Austin. "We are thrilled to offer our players a safe, dedicated space to call their own. It's a tremendous moment for our league and for the community."

Other people cited as part of this project include Mike Talbott (WHGSL vice president and fields/facilities chair), Beth Taylor (former WHGSL secretary/coach), Rick Mace (former WHGSL VP), and Colleen Valentine.

"The installation of these dugouts is a significant win for the girls of our community and a proud moment for all of us," said Austin. "We’ve worked hard to ensure that girls in West Hartford will have access to the same quality facilities that their male counterparts have enjoyed for years, and I’m so excited to see it finally come to fruition."

The new dugouts at Sterling Field are the first of many improvements to come as part of the WHGSL's strategic plan.

For more information about the West Hartford Girls' Softball League and upcoming events, please visit this link.

From Feb. 28, 2024: 'Safer Dugouts To Be Built At WeHa Softball Fields'