Staunton Memorial Field (Bergenfield Little League)

Staunton Memorial Field, located at 241 New Bridge Rd, Bergenfield, NJ 07621, USA, is more than just a typical park; it serves as a central hub for youth sports within the Bergenfield community, specifically as the home of the Bergenfield Little League. Categorized as a "Scenic Spot" within a local context, it might not offer sweeping natural vistas or serene wilderness, but its scenic value lies in its vibrant community atmosphere, the meticulously maintained playing fields, and the spirit of youth sports that flourishes within its boundaries. For local users, it represents a place of active recreation, social gathering, and a focal point for family-oriented activities.

The environment of Staunton Memorial Field is characterized by its dedication to baseball and softball. The park primarily features well-groomed diamond fields, tailored for various age groups within the Little League program. Historically, the area was initially a section of property that required significant clearing and development by community volunteers to become playable fields. Early challenges included issues of soil erosion and rocks due to the lack of grass, highlighting the dedication required to transform it into the functional park it is today. Through consistent maintenance and community effort, the fields are prepared for the season, with regular clean-up days organized for tasks like clearing perimeters, hanging banners, securing fencing, and preparing snack stands. While not a sprawling natural park, the open green spaces of the fields themselves, particularly on a sunny day with games in progress, create a pleasant and active outdoor environment. The sounds of cracking bats, cheering parents, and children's laughter define the auditory landscape, making it a lively and engaging place for local residents.

As a core facility for the Bergenfield Little League, Staunton Memorial Field provides a range of services centered around organized youth baseball and softball. The primary service is, of course, providing dedicated, maintained fields for league games and practices. This includes scheduling games across various divisions such as Tee-Ball, Farm (Coach Pitch), Minors (Player Pitch), Majors, and Softball divisions. The league itself, operating as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is managed by community volunteers, ensuring a robust organizational structure behind the park's usage. While specific detailed service listings for public access (like general restroom hours outside of game times or public amenities) are not extensively publicized, the focus is clearly on supporting the league's activities. Registration for the spring season is typically open in the fall, allowing children to participate in the league's programs. Field cleanup days are regularly scheduled, demonstrating ongoing maintenance efforts. The league also operates a Challenger program, an adaptive baseball program for children with physical and intellectual disabilities, which highlights an inclusive service aspect of the facility. The operational hours are largely dictated by the league's schedule, with games and practices occupying the fields during the season. Access to the fields for general public use outside of organized league activities might be limited or require prior arrangement, typical for specialized sports facilities.

The key features of Staunton Memorial Field are its multi-use baseball/softball diamonds. It is equipped with backstops, dugouts, and outfield fencing, essential for organized play. The presence of signage for team sponsors and field advertisements indicates a well-established and community-supported facility. While the specific number of fields or detailed layouts are not universally available, it's understood to host multiple divisions, implying either multiple fields or flexible scheduling. The field's history as a collaborative community project, initiated by local commissioners and built through the dedication of over thirty men and women, is a notable feature in itself, speaking to the community spirit it embodies. The continuous effort in field maintenance, including addressing issues like soil erosion that were present in its early days, demonstrates a commitment to providing quality playing surfaces. The integration with the Bergenfield Recreation Department's summer programs, which includes the use of sprinklers during specific hours (12 PM to 3:45 PM), suggests a broader community utility beyond just league games, offering a cooling option for children during warmer months. However, it's important to note that the summer recreation program operates with specific hours and requires registration for participation. The facility also benefits from its location in Bergenfield, a well-established residential area, making it easily accessible for local families.

Promotional information for Staunton Memorial Field primarily revolves around the Bergenfield Little League and its mission. As a "Scenic Spot" from a community perspective, its promotion highlights the opportunity for children to "learn our great pastime" of baseball and softball. The league actively seeks sponsorships and advertisements from local businesses, offering opportunities for team naming, division/league uniform sponsorship, and outfield signs at their field locations. This not only generates necessary funds for operations, field maintenance, and uniforms but also promotes local businesses to the community members frequenting the park. The Challenger program is often highlighted as a significant and inclusive initiative, showcasing the league's commitment to providing sports opportunities for all children. Promotional materials would emphasize the volunteer-driven nature of the league, inviting community involvement and support. Information regarding field cleanup days, registration deadlines, and open league meetings is regularly disseminated, encouraging participation and engagement. While not a tourist attraction in the conventional sense, its promotional appeal lies in its role as a bedrock of local youth development and community engagement, offering a "scenic spot" of active community life and the excitement of local sports.

Staunton Memorial Field (Bergenfield Little League)

241 New Bridge Rd, Bergenfield, NJ 07621, USA