Thank You Taylor family and the Toronto Blue Jays

Hundreds out for opening of rebuilt baseball field in Summerland

Casey Richardson – Apr 18, 2026 / 3:40 pm | Story and photos / Castanet Summerland

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Hundreds of people came out to Summerland’s Living Memorial Park on Saturday to celebrate the opening of a special baseball field, more than a year and a half in the making.

Field 96’s grand opening began with a parade of teams into the main field, along with members of the Summerland Legion.

Jeff and Melissa Taylor started the work in honour of their son, Hendriks Jon Taylor, who died in 2024 at age 16.

To honour their middle son, the parents got approval to rename “Field 2” to Field 96, named after Hendriks’ jersey number, but otherwise kept the name Living Memorial Park.

The fundraiser, which has raised more than $515,000 so far, has helped completely renovate the baseball field and surrounding area, which had fallen into disrepair.

Last May, the Summerland Minor Baseball Association learned that the Toronto Blue Jays Field of Dreams grant had officially awarded them $185,000.

Summerland council matched the grant funding last year, and as the donations continued, the rebuilt field came to life.

“The expression, if you build it, they will come, feels very appropriate for this moment,” Melissa said to the crowd on Saturday.

“Thank you for coming alongside us as the Field 96 project moved from an idea to a reality. It has been a beast of an undertaking in a short period of time.”

Much like the origins of the field that were built for soldiers who came back from the Second World War in the mid-40s, Melissa said the community came together, striving to make meaning from loss and to leave something lasting.

“The idea to restore the field came to both Jeff and I separately, but early on. I see now that it was a lifeline that was going to provide meaning, purpose and a way forward amidst overwhelming grief,” she said.

“I hope, and I pray that Field 96 will stand as a symbol of hope and resilience for our community, that it will reflect a time where our community stood together, gave generously, rolled up our sleeves and collectively built something for our kids to show them how deeply valued they are.”

The importance of the field was not lost on the local kids who play on it, with two from the 18U teams, one from 11U and one from 9U sharing their thoughts.

“This field is not just nicer, it’s a fresh start in our community. I spent many hours on Field 96, and I can tell you that the best years of my baseball experience are yet to come,” 18U player Jordan told the crowd.

Fellow 18U player Tommy said the field is his second home.

“It’s the place where I’ve spent so many hours practicing, competing, learning and growing, not just as a player, but as a person,” he said.

“For me, the field is where I feel most focused, most like myself, where I’ve spent most of my time, and where I’ve made some of my best memories.”

Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes and Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen Board Chair Mark Pendergraft commended the group on their work. Other members of council and Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield were also in attendance.

The Taylors are working on a second grant request for Phase 2, which will complete the electrical works and the purchase and installation of stadium lighting for $425,000, so the teams can have Friday Night Lights and host later games and practices.

Council has approved a further $65,000 in matching funds if SMBA’s second Blue Jays Grant is successful.

The Taylors expect to hear back from the Jays sometime in April about funding for Phase 2.

The team is still working on fundraising. To donate or find out more about the Field 96 Hendriks Jon Taylor Legacy Project, head to the GoFundMe page.

SMBA’s applications for their sponsorship program for companies to place their signs on the field this year are still open.

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