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Chapman Field Park Re-Opening Ceremony

By ISPS, 11/23/22, 11:30AM EST

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CHAPMAN FIELD PARK RE-OPENING CEREMONY

The Ground Breaking / Opening Ceremony was a joyous event, with plenty of nostalgia, happiness, and fun for all. It was a chance to come together and celebrate the reopening of the park.

 

Chapman Field was the original birthplace of ISPS (Florida Adult Softball) back on June 29th, 2008 after PFC Marius L. Ferrero, the brother of Commissioner Manuel T. Ferrero III, was killed in Iraq. A 6 team men's slow pitch league was started in his honor at Chapman Field on Sunday nights.  When arsenic levels were found in the soil, they were forced to move out. But now, thanks to the hard work of many people, the park is finally ready to be enjoyed by all once again.

 

Commissioner Raquel Regalado was in attendance and delivered a wonderful speech. The park, which had been closed for some time due to arsenic levels found in the soil, was soon to be re-opened.

ISPS representatives were present to witness this event. Including ISPS South Florida Director and Head Official David Sweet and ISPS Area Director Tony Lamazares.  ISPS South Florida Director David Sweet said; "(Chapman) Field is Beautiful".  "(A) blast from the past. It felt good," said ISPS Area Director Tony Lamazares.

 

Also in attendance was the spearhead of this project and the SAVE CHAPMAN FIELD movement, Ethan Shapiro. For years Ethan championed this project and brought awareness to the conditions of the park.

 

All in attendance witnessed Commissioner Regalado and other dignitaries cut the ribbon and celebrated the re-opening of this public park.

Members of the community were present to celebrate this great occasion, demonstrating that when a community works together, anything is possible. ISPS is proud to have been part of such a special event in Miami's history. We look forward to working together with the community on more projects like these!

 

ISPS Manuel T. Ferrero III stated: "This park opening symbolizes what can be accomplished through collaboration between residents, local elected officials, and organizations such as ISPS. It is our hope that this park will continue to be a safe and inviting space for the surrounding community."

 

Overall, the re-opening of Chapman Field was an incredible success! ISPS is thrilled to have been part of such an important event. We are already looking forward to future projects in Miami and beyond.

The celebration concluded with a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony. The atmosphere was filled with joyous excitement as everyone celebrated this momentous occasion. It truly felt like a milestone had been reached in Miami's history.

 

ISPS would like to extend its deepest gratitude to Ethan Shapiro and Commissioner Regalado for their dedication and commitment to making this project come to fruition. We are proud to have been part of this amazing journey and look forward to continued success in the future!

 

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to making Miami a better place!  We at ISPS look forward to more projects like this that benefit our community. Together, we can make a difference!  Please join us as we continue our mission of improving the quality of life in South Florida - one project at a time. Thank you for being part of the Chapman Field Re-Opening Celebration. We are excited about what is yet to come!




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