Several years of work culminated over the weekend as the Sandoval Village Board dedicated around $400,000 in park improvements and named the Steve Walker Memorial Field for his years of dedication to ball teams in the Sandoval area.
Village Administrator LeAnn Speicer noted the importance Walker played in the lives of hundreds of children after his own play was limited due to being
a hemophiliac.
“Coaches strive to instill core values in their players and that is exactly what Steve did. Through t-ball, little league, pony league, men’s and women’s league, Steve probably coached over 1000 different people. He loved seeing the kids do things he couldn’t do.”
Photo by: Sam Snodsmith
Walker’s wife, Debbie, shared numerous stories of how Steve dedicated his life to the Sandoval Park including their engagement at third base.
“I asked God this morning, please let him look down from heaven and see this. This is the most wonderful thing for him to have ever happened.”
Mayor Pam Gelsinger presented a proclamation to Walker noting her late husband’s work that created lasting memories and touched the lives of so many people in ways he never knew.
The crowd watched as a plastic tarp was pulled off the sign proclaiming Steve Walker Memorial Field and the Walker family and Sandoval Village officials gathered to cut the ribbon on the park improvements. An old-timers game featuring a team from Sandoval and Odin concluded the festivities.
After the program, Gelsinger credited her grandchildren for noting the deplorable condition of the playground equipment that began her effort to make improvements.
“It’s awesome. I’m glad I got it done before I leave office for good. My grandkids are happy with me so everyone is happy. Crews did amazing, LeAnn has been amazing. The board has been great. Without them, this wouldn’t of happened.
Debbie Walker speaks to a large crowd assembled for the dedication ceremony. Photo by Sam Snodsmith.
The Walker family in attendance for the dedication. Photo by: Sam Snodsmith
The most recent improvements were made possible through an Illinois Department of Natural Resource OSLAD grant for $344,300. The village provided a $38,340 match. They also combined some TIF money with funds donated for the park from the Sandoval Community Development Corporation to build the kitchen under the pavilion.
Ball players gathered for the alumni game that kicked off after the ceremony. Photo by Sam Snodsmith.
