News Archives - Elizabethtown Sports Park

Save the Date: Miracle League Kickball Returns

Lauren Milby — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 20:10:42 +0000

Mark your calendars…Miracle League Kickball is back at the Elizabethtown Sports Park on May 7!

This heartwarming annual event celebrates inclusion, community, and the power of play, bringing together exceptional learners from regional schools across Kentucky for a day of unforgettable memories.

This event is hosted on our ADA-accessible Cecilian Bank Miracle League Field, designed so every athlete, regardless of ability, gets to delight in the “Big League Experience” in a safe and supportive environment. Each year, we see this event grow in both energy and impact – and we want to make 2025 our best year yet.

Elizabethtown Sports Park is honored to be the home of this annual tradition and to partner with schools and organizations who share our passion of accessibility, inclusion, and empowerment through sports. Special thanks to The Cecilian Bank, our primary sponsor for this event!

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CRUSH Cancer

Nicolas Desranleau — Sat, 08 Jun 2024 16:15:18 +0000

CRUSH Breast Cancer

During tough times, it’s the small acts of kindness that make the biggest impact. If you have kids who play travel sports, you know that the team becomes like family. That’s exactly what happened for Joelle VanGuilder, a mother of four who was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2023.

Joelle spends her weekends at sports parks and her weekdays working and undergoing chemotherapy and radiation at UK Hospital in Lexington. Her two sons play on the Crush baseball team, each in a different age group. Joelle shared a special moment when her older son’s team was finishing practice and her younger son’s team was about to start. The field cleared, and then both teams came walking out wearing pink jerseys that said, “CRUSH Breast Cancer.” This was a special, heartwarming moment for her.

On the weekend of May 18th, the baseball team wore their pink jerseys to show Joelle that she is not alone in this fight. Joelle shared that her diagnosis was a shock. She has always been in shape and has no family history of breast cancer. At 46, it’s been hard on her family. She reassures her daughters that just because she was diagnosed with breast cancer does not mean they will get it too.

When Joelle learned the team was going to wear pink jerseys during their game, she knew she had to wear pink to match. It was heartwarming to see all the kids and parents support her in this difficult journey and show her that she is not alone. Seeing the community that travel ball creates, with strangers turning into family, is truly amazing.

At The Elizabethtown Sports Park, we believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting those in need. We’re inspired by Joelle, her family, and the Crush team for reminding us of the incredible impact we can make when we come together. Let’s continue to raise awareness, support those battling breast cancer, and work towards a future where no one must face this disease alone.

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Fall Community at the Elizabethtown Sports Park

Nicolas Desranleau — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 17:59:03 +0000

Photos from ESP Adult Softball league and Run for the Gold cross country event

A Park for the Community: The Elizabethtown Sports Park

If you live in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, chances are you’ve heard of the Elizabethtown Sports Park. It’s a place that often shows up in local news, like when it teamed up with Cal Ripken’s Ripken Experience this year. But what doesn’t get as much attention are the smaller events that take place here that bring our community together. As summer transitions into autumn, you might assume that the pace of events at our park will slow. Nevertheless, this article showcases the vibrant activities that continue throughout the fall season.”

Local Leagues

Let’s start with the local leagues at the park. We’re currently in the middle of the fall adult softball and wiffleball seasons. The park itself runs these leagues and contains a mix of teams. Some are from local companies, like Clark Jewelers’ wiffleball team. Others are individuals just wanting to be part of something in the community. Stuart Sharp, from Swope Family of Dealers, who also has a team in the wiffleball league, commented on the value the league had to offer his company. “We feel like participating in the leagues at the Sports Park gets us involved in the community, gives us old timers some exercise, and brings our store closer together.” Sharp continues, “And the fact that we were the 2022 Wiffle Ball Champions really does prove that anything is possible!”

There are also leagues from outside groups, like the Elizabethtown Area Baseball Commission (EABC), Elizabethtown Area Youth Football (EAYF), and the Central Kentucky 45+ Baseball League. While the park doesn’t run these leagues directly, they ensure the fields and facilities are ready to go and looking their best come game time. It’s another way the community enjoys this amazing park.

More Than Leagues

The park isn’t only about local leagues. We also have school events that take place here. The park recently hosted the 10th annual Run for the Gold cross-country race with lots of schools joined in to race under the park’s lights. Additionally, the soccer fields are where Central Hardin High School’s soccer team practices and plays. The park has welcomed them for several seasons now as their field is being renovated.

Everyone’s Invited

The Elizabethtown Sports Park is open to everyone. It’s not just for athletes – it’s for the whole community. Whether you’re into sports or want to enjoy the outdoors, there’s something here for you. We want this park to feel like a second home for everyone. We aim to be a place where the community feels welcome and connected.

In Conclusion, Bringing Us Together

The Elizabethtown Sports Park isn’t just a bunch of fields. It’s a place where our community comes together. From local leagues to school events, this park is where we share good times and make memories. As the seasons roll on, the park will keep symbolizing how strong our community can be when we all join in.

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Beyond the Turf and Diamonds

Nicolas Desranleau — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 18:18:04 +0000

Ripken Experience Elizabethtown's 2023 Summer Interns

Ripken Intern, Toby Trowbridge

2023 was a big year for the Elizabethtown Sports Park. Between having recently celebrated the ten-year anniversary of the park’s construction, as well as kicking off a promising partnership with the Ripken Experience, there have been plenty of exciting, noteworthy happenings. One such exciting happening that should be highlighted is the summer internship program that the Ripken Experience Elizabethtown offered. This summer, for the first time at their Elizabethtown location, the Ripken Experience offered twelve college-aged students the opportunity to relocate to Kentucky for the summer and help contribute to the operational side of Ripken tournaments. This article aims to briefly introduce some of the individuals who dedicated their summer to the park, while also examining the roles and daily responsibilities of the Ripken interns. And when it comes to discussing the internship program that Ripken offers, who better to speak on the matter than the interns themselves?

“Sports gave me the ability to play something I love and make friends,” said intern Jeremy Reardon. “It’s very important to give these kids a fun environment. I have played in several tournaments where it was not fun. Creating that unique experience is fun to be a part of.”

Reardon, a senior at Colby-Sawyer College, plans on using his experiences this summer toward his degree in Sports Management with a minor in Business Administration. When asked how his experience as an intern would help his development, Jeremy shared, saying it taught him the “inside aspects of running a tournament and created great relationships to extend my network.”

Interning with the Ripken Experience Elizabethtown seemed to be more than just experience for a resume, however. “ I played here as a kid and wanted experience being on the other end of it,” stated Penn State senior, Dylan Thomson. “[Baseball] has given me something to be passionate about, which is really important for kids to have growing up.” When asked what his favorite part of working with young, developing athletes was, Dylan answered, saying that the kids are, “very inspiring in terms of how much they love the game and are dedicated to getting better.”

Toby Trowbridge, a junior at LSU, took his answer a step further by voicing the gratitude he has for the opportunity to be a Ripken intern. “Working with young athletes has been an extremely high honor. You never know what kind of impression you can leave on a kid, so it is extremely important to feed them positive thoughts,” voiced Trowbridge.

Speaking on the day-to-day responsibilities the interns performed, Toby said, “During the week we are tasked with organizing the tournaments to ensure they are running smoothly. During the weekend we are tasked with running and operating the tournaments.”

“It is a very rewarding job,” commented Dylan Thomson. He continued, “I was tasked with being a tournament official, running park operations, as well as working our social media accounts.”

Jeremy Reardon answered similarly when asked about the responsibilities of a Ripken intern, saying he worked as a tournament official, coordinated with coaches, and ran field operations during games. He said he found the internship to be, “very fun.”

Beyond the turf and diamonds, the interns spoke on their experience of spending the summer living in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Toby Trowbridge commented, saying, “Staying in E-town has been a blast. I did many things throughout this summer such as playing the local Par 3 course, eating at many places downtown, and enjoying pickleball at Freeman Lake.”

Reardon answered saying that Elizabethtown has, “Lots of things to do” and that he loved the location of the town in relation to larger cities such as Louisville and Nashville.

“Everyone here [Elizabethtown] is so nice and friendly. There is lots to do and close-by attractions,” said Thomson. “It was a nice place to call home for a few months.”

At the Elizabethtown Sports Park, we’re thrilled to hear about the positive experiences the Ripken Interns had, both at our park and in our city. As the summer comes to a close, so does the Intern’s time at the park. We sincerely hope that this experience can both be a stepping stone for their future careers, as well as a positive memory for the individuals who spent the summer here.

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Book Your Event at A Top-Ranked Facility

Ariel Gibs — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 17:43:00 +0000

When it comes to hosting a successful event, choosing the right venue is crucial. You want a facility that not only meets your needs but also exceeds your expectations. That’s where the Elizabethtown Sports Park comes in! Our top-ranked facility has earned its reputation by consistently providing exceptional service and amenities for our guests. Here’s why you should consider booking your next event with us.

First and foremost, we offer state-of-the-art amenities that cater to a wide range of needs. Our park is equipped with everything you need to ensure a seamless and successful event. And with experienced staff on hand to assist with planning and execution, you can rest assured that your event will be in good hands.

In addition to top-notch amenities, we prioritize the guest experience. We understand that hosting an event can be stressful, so we go out of our way to make sure that guests feel comfortable and at ease. By prioritizing the guest experience, our top-ranked facility creates a family-friendly environment that fosters creativity, productivity, and relaxation.

Another reason to choose us is our reputation for excellence. Our venue has earned its place at the top of the rankings by consistently delivering outstanding service and amenities. We have a proven track record of success, which gives you confidence that your event will be executed flawlessly. And because we are constantly striving to improve, you can expect to see ongoing upgrades and enhancements that keep our facility ahead of the curve.

Finally, booking your event at the Elizabethtown Sports Park demonstrates that you value quality and professionalism. It shows that you are committed to delivering an exceptional experience for your guests and that you are willing to invest in a venue that can help you achieve that goal. By choosing us, you set the stage for a successful event that will exceed expectations and leave a lasting impression. In conclusion, booking your event at our facility is the smartest choice. From exceptional amenities and guest-focused service to a reputation for excellence and a commitment to quality, the Elizabethtown Sports Park offers everything you need to host a successful event.

So, if you’re ready to ensure that your next event is a hit, book at our top-ranked facility today!

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ELIZABETHTOWN SPORTS PARK HIRES DIRECTOR OF GUEST EXPERIENCE

Nicolas Desranleau — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 20:48:42 +0000

Elizabethtown Sports Park, a premier outdoor sports facility, located in Elizabethtown, Kentucky managed by The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), is proud to welcome Chris Hobbs as their Director of Guest Experience! Hobbs resides in Elizabethtown where he was raised. He joins the team with a strong background in the Food Service Industry and over a decade of management experience.

In this position Chris will oversee the day-to-day operations in the Food and Beverage department as well as merchandise and retail. He will also play a big role in the overall customer experience at the park, ensuring all guests are taken care of.

“I am grateful to accept the position as the Director of Guest Experience for The Elizabethtown Sports Park. I am most excited to make a positive impact on the local community and being able to be a positive influence on the team around me.” said Hobbs.

2023 will be a year to remember at the Sports Park for all as we remanence on the past decade and look forward to the next. Last July, the park celebrated its 10-year anniversary. Later in the year, the park announced its new upcoming partnership with The Ripken Experience. With the continued focus on guest experiences at the park, it was important to add this new role to the leadership team.

Andrew Kurtz, General Manager speaks with enthusiasm about the new hire saying, “Chris will be a tremendous addition to our team. His many years of experience along with his growth mindset and team mentality is exactly what we were looking for in this specific role!”

Elizabethtown Sports Park is currently hiring more part-time staff including concessions, event operations and facilities team members. To learn more or to apply, visit: www.etownsports.com/careers.

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THE ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S DASH RETURNS TO THE SPORTS PARK

Nicolas Desranleau — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 18:55:51 +0000

It’s that time of year again! Gear up for the annual New Year’s Day 5k at the park… just a day earlier this time. Join us for the New Year’s Dash 5K Fun Run/ Walk Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Elizabethtown Sports Park.

“Central Kentucky Race Management is excited to once again help raise funds for Springhaven by hosting a fun and energetic 5K event at the perfect place to run and walk, The Elizabethtown Sports Park,” says Co-Owner Greg Milby. “This event is a New Year’s tradition for many people, and we’re looking forward to watching it grow for many years to come.”

The first 200 registered participants will receive a finisher’s medal and a custom race logo scarf. Everyone is encouraged to race in either pajamas or their New Year’s best to shine like rock stars! Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers, as well as some of the best dressed. All runners will be presented with a finisher medal to celebrate the new year.

“This annual race is the perfect way to kick off the new year,” shares Marketing Manager Lauren Bowman. “You don’t have to be an experienced runner. Even if you are just starting your fitness journey, this will be a fun event, plus you get to support a good cause!”

Wrap up 2022 and kick off 2023 in a healthy way while benefiting a great cause. Proceeds from this race benefit our friends at Springhaven Domestic Violence Shelter. Now all you need to do is grab your friends, mark your calendar, and get registered.

For more information or to register, click HERE!

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FUN ON THE MIRACLE FIELD RETURNS THIS FALL

Nicolas Desranleau — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 21:28:13 +0000

The Elizabethtown Sports Park hosted its second Miracle field tournament of the year yesterday in conjunction with Hardin County Schools, Elizabethtown Independent Schools, and Larue County Schools. Exceptional learners from across the county came together Wednesday morning for some fun on the Miracle Field.

Samantha Daniel, a teacher at J.T. Alton spoke with enthusiasm about the event saying, “Our annual kickball tournament is a trip that students and adults look forward to all year. We are thankful to the Sports Park for hosting us this fall and for allowing us to come back in the spring. We are a community together! We love our students and enjoy seeing our friends from elementary, middle and high schools in the area. We had 3 districts join us this year! Inclusion is so important but so is being a community. We are stronger together!”

The Cecilian Bank and Kona Ice partnered with the sports park to make it a successful day. The Cecilian bank sat up big yard games so that students could enjoy activities off the field when they were finished playing. Kona Ice finished off the day strong by donating free Kona Ice to all the students and staff!

Lauren Bowman, marketing manager at the sports park, said, “This is one of my most favorite days of the year. It’s so much fun to get to see kids from across the county, come together and have fun for the day at the park! Not only is it a fun day, but they are able to practice their money skills at the concession stand, build relationships with others, and have experiences that they will always remember.” The Elizabethtown Sports Park is looking forward to bringing back another Miracle Field event next spring to end the school year strong! If you are interested in becoming a partner for this event, email Lauren Bowman at lbowman@sportsfacilities.com

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ELIZABETHTOWN SPORTS PARK CONTINUES ADULT LEAGUES SUCCESS

Nicolas Desranleau — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 14:32:51 +0000

The Elizabethtown Sports Park is wrapping up another successful year of its fall adult leagues. This year, adult wiffle ball returned for the third year, and a new co-ed softball league began as well.

Lauren Bowman, marketing manager at the sports park, said, “Although our facility conducts mostly youth sports, our team loves to see adults utilize the facility. Adult leagues have been a great opportunity for friends or coworkers to get together and do something fun. With this being a recreational league, there’s no pressure, and it’s been a lot of fun to see adults out on our fields every week!”

Whether it’s an individual that signs up, a few friends, or an entire team of coworkers, everyone is welcome to participate in adult league teams. Elizabethtown Sports Park is a great environment to socialize and play on amazing fields at the simultaneously.

Jennifer Scarbrough, vice president & general manager of Swope Family Dealerships commented on her team’s experience participating in adult league nights. “This is our third year being a part of the adult wiffle ball league, and it has become something that we look forward to all year. It allows us to have fun as a team outside of the office. We get to work hard and play hard, and the Etown Sports Park is a great place to get together on Thursday night!”

While the sports park continues to grow its offerings for adults, they look forward to springtime, where they will run adult and youth kickball leagues. The goal is to have something at the park for everyone in the family!

For more information about local leagues, check out the sports park’s website, www.etownsports.com/leagues

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RIPKEN BASEBALL RELEASES ITS FIRST TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE AT THE RIPKEN EXPERIENCE™ ELIZABETHTOWN TO TAKE PLACE IN 2023

Nicolas Desranleau — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Ripken Baseball, who recently partnered with Elizabethtown Sports Park to create The Ripken Experience™ Elizabethtown, announced its first 2023 tournament schedule in Kentucky today. As the leaders in youth sports events, Ripken Baseball will bring world-class youth baseball tournaments, featuring their iconic week-long experiences, to the state-of-the-art complex starting on April 15, 2023.

Youth teams from around the country will be treated like big-leaguers at 24 Ripken Baseball tournaments next year between April 15 and Oct. 22, including two week-long experiences from June 18-23 and July 16-21. The ages of the participants will range from 9U through 16U and will vary per tournament. For a full schedule of events and to sign up, go to RipkenBaseball.com.

“We can’t wait to start hosting families at The Ripken Experience™ Elizabethtown and bring our unique experience to a new part of the country for us,” said Mike Kenney, Executive Vice President of Ripken Baseball. “The fields and facilities at Elizabethtown Sports Park are immaculate, and our partnership has all of us excited for the first season together.”

Through an exclusive partnership that was announced in June of 2022, Ripken Baseball will host its events on 12 turf fields at Elizabethtown Sports Park, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Within the past decade, Elizabethtown Sports Park has been responsible for generating $150 million in direct economic impact for the city and attracting 160,000 visitors annually

The Ripken Experience™ Elizabethtown joins Ripken Baseball’s lineup of youth sports destinations, including complexes in Aberdeen, Md.; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Across its facilities, clinics, and tournaments, Ripken Baseball hosts more than 120,000 participants and 350,000 guests from all 50 states annually.

About Elizabethtown Sports Park

Elizabethtown Sports Park is a true destination for events of all sizes and caliber with three quads for baseball and softball, two championship-style turf fields, three large pavilions for events, and one accessible field with spectator seating. The mission of the sports park is to create experiences for people who yearn to be in the big leagues. This is the perfect place to play. A place for athletes to play like the pros. A place where everyone becomes a champion. The Ripken Experience is the premier baseball/softball partner with the sports park where we look to provide players, coaches, and families with the experiences and lifelong memories that will allow them to enjoy and play the game for as long as possible. For more information, visit: www.etownsports.com.

About Ripken Baseball

Ripken Baseball brings teammates, coaches, and families together through its Big-League Experiences, while teaching the values of the game, and how to play it the right way – the Ripken Way. Recently expanding the best experience in youth sports to satellite locations through Ripken Select Tournaments, Ripken Baseball continues to innovate the game through tournaments, camps, clinics, and spring training at their state-of-the-art baseball and softball facilities – The Ripken Experience™ Aberdeen (Maryland), The Ripken Experience™ Myrtle Beach (South Carolina), The Ripken Experience™ Pigeon Forge (Tennessee), and The Ripken Experience™ Elizabethtown (Kentucky).

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