Lawrence Company Volunteers to Help Maintain Ball Fields

October, 2011
LAWRENCE, MA: Lawrence City Councilor Marc LaPlante has announced that the Lawrence company, Tompkins Landscaping, has begun work to maintain the South Lawrence East ball fields.
“When the South Lawrence East Little League had its gear and equipment stolen two years ago, individuals and companies throughout the region and country responded with funds and equipment to ensure that Lawrence children continued to play baseball without interruption,” said LaPlante. “The support continues today with Billy Tompkins of Tompkins Landscaping stepping up to make sure that the South Lawrence East youth have adequate fields to play ball in time for next season.”

Upon a recent visit to the ball fields by LaPlante, Tompkins, Lawrence DPW Director John Isensee, and South Lawrence East Little League President George Herman, weeds were growing waist high and the turf was spotty with the baseball diamonds totally compromised.

“My main factor was seeing the effects of dwindling budgets to properly maintain the city’s fields and the after effects. Every citizen should have pride in the appearance, and be proud of their respective town or city, especially the areas where their children practice sports and play games on,” said Tompkins.

“Donating even just a little bit of time to help out is a great example of what could be done. If everyone helped out, donated, or assisted even just a couple hours to maintain, beautify, and keep their city or town looking great it would go a long way in dealing with the situation at hand,” added Tompkins.

Budget cuts have had a significant affect on the Lawrence Department of Public Works’ ability to provide the necessary maintenance at the fields.

“Given the staffing for the Streets and Parks Department, it is nearly impossible to service all of the ball fields and parks to a standard that is acceptable to all,” explained Isensee. “In trying to be as creative as possible, we still struggle to maintain to acceptable conditions.”
“Mr. Tompkins recognizes our shortcomings and the needs of the youth in that location, and has generously provided manpower and equipment to which he is to be applauded,” concluded Isensee. “Tompkins Landscaping’s generosity for the betterment of the community is truly refreshing and much appreciated.”

“I couldn’t be happier that a Lawrence company has taken the initiative to improve the ball fields to help our children play baseball and softball. Our youth deserve to play on fields where they can learn important values like sportsmanship, teamwork, and the value of practice.

Who knows, one day maybe one of our ballplayers will give back to our community as Billy is doing now,” said Little League President Herman.