Libby’s new softball field: A community effort taking shape
For years, Libby’s high school softball players have practiced wherever they could find space—on soccer fields, baseball diamonds and even little league fields.
Unlike Libby’s Lee Gehring Field, which has long served as a hub for baseball, the town lacked a dedicated home for softball. But that is about to change. Thanks to an outpouring of community support, dedicated volunteers and crucial funding, Libby’s new softball field is finally becoming a reality.
A Vision for the Future
The idea for a dedicated softball field started taking shape in 2023 when a group of local leaders and community members, backed by more than $32,000 in donations and a commitment from Libby Public Schools, identified an empty lot owned by the school district as the ideal location.
The field is located behind the former Plummer Elementary School, which now houses the Kootenai Valley Head Start program.
The project gained further momentum when the LOR Foundation stepped in with a $25,020 grant to help purchase building materials, including concrete and fencing. Also, Flathead Electric's Round up for Safety granted $10,000 in January 2024 to fund the building of the backstop.
The field will provide a much-needed home for the Libby Loggers.
"Libby High school softball needs a home of their own and they are finally getting that," Libby High School head softball coach Kellen MacDonald said. "The new field should free up a lot of time at the cemetery fields for the youth teams and that’s the main advantage as high school has always had the fields from 4-6 p.m. It wont be a free for all at the new field. We would for sure love to have the occasional youth travel teams come in a play a game under the lights but it won’t be an everyday use."
A Labor of Love
Since breaking ground in October 2023, the project has seen steady—though sometimes challenging—progress. Libby High School head softball coach Kellen MacDonald has been thrilled to see it taking shape.
“The softball field is coming along. We have stretches of getting many things accomplished down there and then stretches of not much happening,” MacDonald said. “The amount of support we have had for this project from the community and businesses is unreal. I think it really says something about our town and how much it loves to see young women succeed in a sport that truly has a culture of hard-working players with a deep love for the game.”
Despite the excitement, challenges remain. The unpredictable spring weather has made it difficult to transport materials to the site, with mud causing delays. However, the hope is to have the field ready for at least the last home game on May 6.
Building More Than Just a Field
Creating the new field has been about more than just giving softball players a place to play. It’s about fostering a sense of community and pride. The project is unfolding in stages, with the first major milestone—cutting out the infield—completed last fall.
“It took a lot of time just to figure out where the best place was going to be,” MacDonald said. “I feel like the first time we walked the location, we settled on knowing that was it. It faces the right direction, it has parking, and it has really good soil.”
Since then, work has been focused on constructing dugouts and a press box, with plans to install a sprinkler system, batting cages and stadium lights over the summer.
“The end goal is to create an experience rather than just a field,” MacDonald said. “Much like the Legion baseball program has done—something you can take the family and go watch and enjoy, even if you don’t have a family member on the field.”
The field will not only serve high school players but will also be available for youth leagues, traveling teams and tournaments, making it an essential addition to Libby’s sports landscape.
A Community-Driven Effort
One of the most remarkable aspects of the project is the sheer level of community involvement. Local businesses, parents, and residents have stepped up to help in ways big and small. Whether through financial donations, labor or material contributions, the people of Libby have shown how much they value this addition to their town.
“There are too many people and businesses to thank in one article or email, so I won’t do that just yet, but they know who they are, and we greatly appreciate everything they have done up to this point,” MacDonald said.
While the field is taking shape, fundraising remains a crucial part of the process. Every step—installing lights, improving seating, and adding amenities—requires financial backing. MacDonald encourages anyone who wants to support the effort to reach out.
“Money is always a factor, and I would urge anyone who wants to donate to get a hold of Nik Rewerts or someone involved, and we can make it happen,” he said.
For those interested in contributing, donations can be made by contacting Nik Rewerts at rewertsn@libbyschools.org or Michelle Foss at fossm@libbyschools.org, or by calling the school at 406-293-8802.
Work continues as the weather allows at the new Libby Loggers softball field at the former Plummer Elementary School. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)