KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Major renovations to the Kalamazoo Central baseball and softball fields are set to kick off this Wednesday, June 21, courtesy of a famous graduate. Derek Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation is set to fund the $5 million project.
The ground-breaking ceremony will be held Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the high school.
The project involves completely renovated fields, new seating, new dugouts,new bathrooms and synthetic turf.
The fields will also be moved so the batters will face the pitching mound in the northeast, minimizing the impact of the low afternoon and evening sun angles on players’ vision.
Turn 2 president Sharlee Jeter, along with KPS officials, will be on hand at the event.
As part of its programming, the Turn 2 Foundation serves local students from Kalamazoo Central High School through its Jeter’s Leaders initiative, a four-year leadership development program for high school students in West Michigan and New York City that fosters academic achievement, positive behavior and social change.
Since its launch in December 1996, the Turn 2 Foundation has created and supported programs and activities that motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and “Turn 2” healthy lifestyles.
Through various specialized programs and events, the Foundation works with youth in New York City, West Michigan, and Tampa, empowering them to reach their full potential.
During its 27-year history, Turn 2 has given back more than $34 million, funding its signature programs as well as organizations that support its mission.
