SANDOVAL, IL — The Village of Sandoval avoided predicted storms Saturday afternoon as it enjoyed a beautiful spring day to hold a dedication ceremony for the new Steve Walker Memorial Field.

Walker was honored for his tireless work in starting the men’s and women’s softball and baseball program as well as many of the youth teams during the 1970s. He coached hundreds of kids over the years in what was described as a quietly effective way. The Village of Sandoval made nearly $400,000 in park improvements in the last year, adding new scoreboards, dugouts, sidewalks, concession stand and fencing to the park. Sandoval received a $344,300 OSLAD grant and provided $38,340 in matching funds to make the ball field and playground improvements. 

The village also combined some TIF money with funds donated for the park from the Sandoval community development corporation to build the kitchen under the pavilion.