Young baseball players in Heath can now hit one over the fence at Towne Center Park. A community-funded outfield fence went up through the Parks And Trails of Heath (PATH) program.
The City of Heath announced the new fence on Wednesday, Aug. 26, crediting residents and local businesses who sponsored the project. PATH, the city's fundraising program for park amenities and trail improvements, coordinated the effort.
The fence gives the park's baseball field a feature it lacked since the $12,835,902 Towne Center Park renovation broke ground in December 2024. The renovated park opened July 4 with a grand opening that included the first-ever Sandlot Home Run Derby, where players 14 and under paid $10 for 10 pitches with proceeds benefiting PATH.
Who made it happen
PATH Committee Chair Jordan Haverly reported on the program's fundraising progress at the June 15 Heath Park Board meeting. According to Park Board minutes, the PATH Fund had $37,148.62 in unallocated funding remaining after the fence purchase.
The fence cost has not been disclosed.
The specific businesses and residents who sponsored the fence have not been publicly identified. The PATH program has drawn significant community investment elsewhere at the park. Heath residents Bob and Kathy Tolbert donated $200,000 through PATH to fund shade covers for six of the park's eight pickleball courts. As of March 31, the PATH fund held a year-to-date balance of $236,198.62.
John Walker, a Park Board member whose two-year term ended in July, was credited with spearheading the PATH fundraising committee and moving its initiatives forward.
What's next for PATH
The program plans an invitation-only PATH Kick-Off fundraising event in October to engage current and prospective donors. PATH is also developing a recurring donation option tied to the city's monthly utility bill.
Heath Mayor Jeremiah McClure said in an Aug. 10 statement about new trail connections that expanding parks and trails remains a top priority: "These new connections give our residents even more opportunities to get outside and enjoy everything Heath has to offer."
Residents interested in sponsoring a park amenity can visit heathtx.com/path for details on support levels, including named benches and memorial stones.
