The Wewoka Chapter of Lions Clubs International is the proud recipient of a major donation from the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma to support the future construction of a four-field-addition to the historical, Lions Club Ballpark located at east 7th Street and South Compton Avenue.

“I have been involved with the Little League Program for the last 27 years through the Wewoka Lions Club. This spring, I have witnessed crowds and excitement like never before. This donation from the Chickasaw Nation, along with others, will help create a better environment and I believe the numbers will only go up,” said Larry Bailey, Wewoka Lions Club President. “A great big thank you to all who are making this happen.”

Wewoka Lions have supported youth league baseball and softball in the community since 1947. The over-arching goal is to expand and upgrade the youth league, along with building a new ballpark, increasing the number of participants and teams from local and surrounding rural communities, adding educational structure and growth opportunities sponsored by Lions Clubs International and the Jearl Smart Foundation.

The Jearl Smart Foundation donated acreage to the City of Wewoka adjacent to the current ballpark for construction purposes and provided the initial grant launching the capital construction campaign. In 2019, the ballpark project and the City of Wewoka received grants from Major League Baseball (MLB) and Scott’s Lawn Care, the Texas Rangers Foundation and numerous community and private donations.

“I would like to thank the Chickasaw Nation for their generous donation to the Lion's Club Ballpark. Their commitment and support of the community and its children is invaluable,” said Teresa Smart, member of the Board of Directors of the Jearl Smart Foundation.

Security State Bank of Oklahoma, along with a dedicated ballpark development committee, including Lions Club Youth League alumni, city officials, educators and other professionals are working diligently, as a finely tuned team, to raise funds and implement a successful youth development strategy.

“The City of Wewoka is extremely grateful for the generous gift from the Chickasaw Nation. This gift, that will help fund construction of the new Wewoka ballpark, will go far beyond teaching teamwork, strengthening character, and teaching life skills for Wewoka’s youth. A new ballpark builds community pride as well as spurring economic activity and generating tax dollars,” said Tip Burch, CEO, Security State Bank of Oklahoma.

“The planned region wide baseball and softball tournaments will bring people to town that will stay in our hotel, eat in our restaurants, shop at our grocery store and buy gas at our gas stations. Every citizen in Wewoka is a beneficiary of this gift from the Chickasaw Nation,” said Burch.

The brand-new, first-class ballpark facility will provide a much-needed foundation and touchstone for youth in the community, and as the Wewoka Lions Club has demonstrated in its years of steadfast dedication, it will undoubtedly stand the test of time.

“Wewoka is truly honored to receive this generous grant for our new baseball project. All of the youth involved will benefit greatly from this program for many

years to come,” said Paige Sheffield-Sherry, Mayor of Wewoka and Lions Club member.

For additional information on how you can support the Wewoka Lions Club Youth League Ballpark project, contact Jesse Grandstaff at (405) 220-2037.