Kyle, an Area Manager at Gerken Paving, Inc., remembers playing at Glenwood Park as a youngster. Its downtown location made it a favorite venue for Little League practices and games. He wished the ballfield could return to its glory days.

So when Kyle learned that the City of Napoleon planned to spend around $100,000 to replace the ballfield’s press box, he decided to get involved. Inspired by his experience working with community projects for Gerken, Kyle encouraged the City to think bigger. He also got The Gerken Companies and Vernon Nagel, Inc. to donate materials and labor for the project, which helped bring the City and park officials on board.

Work began in late summer 2023 with the demolition of the existing press box and restroom structure, fencing, dugouts, and bleachers, and the removal of existing sod and dirt. The project involved:

• Installing drainage
• Replacing the dirt with a field turf surface
• Building a structure to house the press box, restrooms, and concession stand
• Adding new fencing and backstop netting

The new ballpark offers a modern appearance and improved spectator experience. Workers lowered the field four feet and built concrete walls around the foul territory to provide more advantageous views.

As the undertaking progressed, additional donors approached Kyle to help. In all, thirty-two sponsors contributed time and money to transforming the beloved ballpark.

The renovated The Ballpark on Glenwood was ready in time for a ceremony on May 10, 2024, marking the start of the Little League season.