From left, Barry and Susan Dunlop; Campaign co-chairs Rob Stanley and Mike Myatt. Photo submitted

Saugeen Shores residents Barry and Susan Dunlop have contributed to the Lamont Sports Park Illuminating Dreams Fundraising Campaign.

The private gift of $75,000 to the second phase of the project affords them lifetime naming rights to one of the six diamonds at the park.

Campaign Co-Chair Mike Myatt said one of the diamonds will be called 'Dunlop Field' and said that when many people hear the name 'Dunlop' in Saugeen Shores they immediately think of baseball.

"As a young boy, Barry’s family sponsored the local fastball team: the Port Elgin Dunlops," said Myatt. "Barry and Susan are carrying on the family tradition of supporting baseball in Saugeen Shores."

Co-Chair Rob Stanley said that after three decades of involvement in youth baseball, the Dunlops recognize the importance of providing first-rate amenities to local programs. "They truly have stepped up to the plate by making this very generous donation to our fundraising campaign," Stanley said.

Barry Dunlop said he and Susan wanted to support the campaign and help ensure the youth diamonds become a reality in Saugeen Shores. "Lamont Sports Park will be a great recreational facility for our community, and we thank the entire fundraising team for their amazing efforts," he said.

While the first phase of the park is scheduled to open in May 2023, the second phase has raised over $1 million toward two youth diamonds and an accessible playground.

The second phase will be designed and constructed by Prime Consultant and the campaign is asking the public for $50,000 to build two batting cages and a storage facility.

Donations can be made at saugeenshores.ca/lamontsportsparkdonations.