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Elks Park helps spawn future stars

Playing baseball at legendary Elks Park is part of the growing process for Havre's youths

Havre may not have everything. But, when it comes to youth baseball and the parks in which the youngsters of Havre get to play, there are few places in Montana that can equal what can be found in Havre.

One of the ball parks that has consistently been part of the Havre Youth Baseball Association's leagues is Elks Park, which is located by Havre High School and plays host to HYBA's Minors league baseball.

Playing at Elks Park is just simply part of the transition that youth baseball players go through in Havre. First, they start playing tee ball at the Optimist Park. As they age, they move up to minors, which is followed by majors. After that, it's on to Babe Ruth and finally all the way to Legion, if one were to stick with it until the end.

And over time, there will be some who keep playing and there will be others who will see their baseball days end at Elks Park. Baseball isn't for everyone, some kids will play through Legion and some even beyond, while others will simply reminisce about the summer or two they spent playing minors.

That doesn't change the fact, that every kid, regardless of whether they have talent or are just playing for fun or to make friends, gets the same opportunity to play at the same ball parks and feel that same level of excitement as everyone else.

And playing at Elks Park is an awesome experience. As far as baseball fields go, it is definitely unique. One thing that I have always thought was cool about Elks is that, to me at least, it seems like a park with a baseball field in the middle of it, instead of the other way around.

It also happens to be located in a great part of town and when the sun starts to sink, the scenery is pretty amazing. You have the kids playing with the high school and the Havre High tennis courts in the background as well as their parents and fans surrounding the field from all areas.

A lot of baseball fields are surrounded by gravel and stands. And while there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, one of the great features of Elks Park is the grass makes up the surrounding area.

For a family, there could not be a better place to come and watch children play baseball. There are stands to accommodate seating, but there is also plenty of room to bring a few lawn chairs and pack a picnic. Plus, there is plenty of space to sit in the grass just beyond the outfield, which allows fans to view the game from an entirely different angle.

The other great thing about Elks is just the natural scene surrounding the field. There is a line of trees that not only provide shade for players and fans, but also give the park a look of true serenity.

I never got the chance to play at Elks Park, at least not baseball. By the time I moved to Havre, I was playing majors and therefore all my games were at Lions Field. But, I wish I would have gotten the chance to play at Elks, I remember playing pick up football games with my friends and I loved the field then, just as I'm sure the youth baseball players love it now.

As I said before, Havre may not have everything, but just like the people, when it comes to public parks, Havre has it and Elks Park simply is another example of why.

 

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