Time for a little nostalgia trip as a recent event held at the Big Ball Park in Riverside brought to mind just how many things have gone on in the park. While it is called the Big Ball Park (and how it came to be known by that name eludes me), the most obvious would be the number of “ball” games that have been played there.
Little Leaguers, both girls and boys, have practiced and played baseball and softball in uniforms they hope to make proud. There are also a number of men’s teams who take seriously Chicago-style softball; their “uniforms” range from matching T-shirts to make-shift uniforms all in the name of fun.
Probably the Big Ball Park is most remembered for the many years when the July 4 parade ended with a celebration at the park. A small stage was erected where Mrs. Shimandle would have her small electric keyboard to play the “Star-Spangled Banner” as accompaniment to a local vocalist.
Following that would be speeches by local dignitaries, extending their greetings of the day. The day often featured other speakers, many of whom were state officials. A few booths were set up by local groups and churches, but the real excitement of the day for kids came much later with the “water fight.”
The water fight was between the Riverside Fire Department and another area fire department over bragging rights for the year. The test? To see who could get a little barrel on a wire to the opponent’s side. Kind of a tug-of-war with fire hoses.
This was time for kids to slip and slide in the mud, much to the dismay of many a parent. And who could forget the hot air balloons settling on the park as part of the village’s centennial celebration – a great vision at night.
The Recreation Department has continued to make full use of the park for movies, soccer and golf lessons, much to the pleasure of residents.
What brought all these memories to mind? On July 10, a tent was erected for the wedding of Riversider Jennifer LoCicero to Lee Hinson III. To the best of my knowledge it was the first wedding at the Park. The setting was beautiful with guests enjoying the wedding and the surroundings.
I can only imagine the choice of the Big Ball Park was chosen because of its meaning to the couple and as a testimony to one of Riverside’s beautiful areas. Following the wedding the tent was taken down quickly, but the event just added another lovely memory to what we know as the Big Ball Park.