Port City Pirates Land $148,000 Grant: How Saint John’s Baseball Revival Plans to Build a ‘Field of Dreams’
The Port City Pirates Baseball Association has secured a $148,000 grant from the Toronto Blue Jays’ Jays Care “Field of Dreams” initiative to fund youth baseball development in Saint John, New Brunswick. The funding, approved by the city council, will support the construction of a new baseball field at Courtney Bay Park, creating a state-of-the-art facility for local players and fostering long-term growth in the sport.
Why This Grant Matters for Saint John’s Baseball Future
The $148,000 grant is the largest single investment in youth baseball infrastructure in Saint John’s history. According to the city’s official announcement, the funding will be used to upgrade Courtney Bay Park, a 12-acre facility that has long been a cornerstone of the community’s sports landscape. The improvements will include a new turf field, dugouts, lighting, and spectator seating, transforming the park into a model for youth baseball development in Atlantic Canada.
For the Port City Pirates, this grant represents more than just a financial boost—it’s a validation of their grassroots efforts to grow the sport. “This funding will allow us to provide a world-class facility for our young athletes,” said a spokesperson for the Port City Pirates Baseball Association. “It’s a game-changer for our program and for baseball in Saint John.”
The grant aligns with the Jays Care “Field of Dreams” initiative, which has funded over 50 baseball and softball fields across North America since its launch in 2015. The program aims to create safe, accessible spaces for youth sports, particularly in underserved communities. Saint John’s selection reflects the city’s commitment to sports development and its growing reputation as a hub for amateur athletics.
How the Grant Will Be Used: A Breakdown of the Funding
The $148,000 will be allocated as follows, according to the city’s funding agreement:
- $80,000 for field construction and turf installation
- $30,000 for dugouts, bullpens, and batting cages
- $20,000 for lighting and electrical upgrades
- $18,000 for spectator seating and restroom facilities
The project is expected to be completed by the fall of 2027, with the new facility opening in time for the 2028 baseball season. The Port City Pirates will oversee construction, working closely with the city’s parks and recreation department to ensure the project meets all safety and accessibility standards.
Courtney Bay Park has been a staple of Saint John’s sports community for decades, hosting not only baseball but also soccer, football, and community events. The upgrades will make it the first fully lighted youth baseball field in the city, allowing for expanded evening and nighttime play—a critical factor for families with busy schedules.
What This Means for Youth Baseball in Saint John
The grant’s impact extends far beyond the physical improvements to Courtney Bay Park. For local players, the new facility will provide a professional-grade training ground, potentially attracting top talent from across New Brunswick and beyond. The Port City Pirates, which operates under the umbrella of the Friends of St. Peter’s, has already seen a surge in youth participation in recent years, with over 300 players registered for the 2026 season.
“This is about more than just a field,” said a representative from the Friends of St. Peter’s. “It’s about creating opportunities for kids who might not otherwise have access to high-quality sports facilities. Baseball is a great way to teach teamwork, discipline, and perseverance—values that go far beyond the diamond.”
The grant also underscores Saint John’s role as a growing sports hub in Atlantic Canada. The city has invested heavily in infrastructure in recent years, including the expansion of the Saint John Sports and Recreation Centre and the development of the Saint John River Waterfront Park. The Port City Pirates’ success in securing the grant reflects the city’s broader commitment to fostering a culture of athleticism and community engagement.
How Saint John’s Grant Compares to Other ‘Field of Dreams’ Projects
The $148,000 grant to the Port City Pirates is among the largest awarded by the Jays Care “Field of Dreams” initiative in recent years. For context:
- A similar grant of $150,000 was awarded to the Toronto Blue Jays’ community partner, the North York Neighbourhood House, in 2025 for a multi-sport field in Ontario.
- In 2024, the initiative provided $120,000 to the Halifax Baseball Association for upgrades to their facility in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
- Saint John’s grant is the first awarded in New Brunswick since the program’s inception, highlighting the city’s growing influence in youth sports.
While the funding amounts vary, all projects share a common goal: creating sustainable, high-quality facilities that can support youth sports for decades. The Port City Pirates’ grant stands out for its focus on a single-sport facility, which will allow for specialized training and development programs tailored to baseball.
Key Questions About the Grant and Its Impact
1. Who is eligible to use the new facility?
The upgraded Courtney Bay Park will be open to all youth baseball and softball teams in Saint John, as well as community leagues and school programs. The Port City Pirates will prioritize access for their own players but will ensure the facility is available to all registered teams in the city.
2. Will the new lighting allow for night games?
Yes. The $20,000 allocated for lighting upgrades will include LED fixtures that meet baseball standards for night play. This will enable evening practices and games, which is particularly valuable for working families and players with after-school commitments.
3. How can the community get involved?
Interested parties can volunteer for construction, donate materials or funds, or participate in community workdays. The Port City Pirates will announce specific opportunities in the coming months. For now, residents can follow updates on the City of Saint John’s website or the Pirates’ social media accounts.
4. What is the long-term vision for Courtney Bay Park?
The Port City Pirates and the city of Saint John envision Courtney Bay Park as a regional hub for youth baseball. Beyond the immediate upgrades, plans include expanding the park’s amenities to include a pro shop, concession stand, and additional fields for softball and tee-ball. The goal is to make it a destination for families across New Brunswick.
How to Follow the Story
The Port City Pirates’ journey to build a “Field of Dreams” in Saint John is just beginning. To stay updated on construction progress, community events, and the 2028 season, follow these resources:
Have questions or insights about the project? Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag @Archysport on Twitter to join the conversation.
