The city of Tacoma celebrated an unforgettable milestone with the opening of Aaron Pointer Field at Peck Athletic Complex. This remarkable sports venue now serves as the home for Stadium High School’s Tigers and symbolizes a bridge to the community.
Honoring a Legacy: Aaron Pointer Field
Named after Aaron Pointer, a retired Parks Tacoma commissioner and Major League Baseball legend, the field is a tribute to his 50-plus years of service to Tacoma and Pierce County parks. Pointer was honored with the field dedication in a ceremony attended by his family, Stadium High School athletes, and community leaders.
Pointer expressed gratitude for the honor, reflecting on his surprise when the announcement was first made at Steelheads Alley, a Seattle venue celebrating the Pacific Northwest’s rich sports history.
A Venue of Excellence
The field proudly features a giant Stadium High School Tigers emblem in gold and royal blue, marking it as the Tigers’ official home turf. This state-of-the-art facility accommodates baseball, soccer, and lacrosse, and includes amenities like batting cages, bullpens, synthetic turf, and ADA-accessible ramps. Plans are underway to add $500,000 worth of lighting to enhance its year-round usability.
Building Community Connections
The venue represents more than just a sports field. According to Vice Principal Dwayne Folsom, it is a bridge to the Hilltop community, creating opportunities for local youth who previously faced challenges in accessing baseball programs.
Stadium High School baseball player Max Heinze emphasized how the field will foster pride and identity, saying, “Playing for and representing your high school feels different. This field makes that dream a reality.”
Future Developments at Peck
The Peck Athletic Complex revitalization project goes beyond Aaron Pointer Field. Upcoming improvements include basketball courts, a sports court, a wave wheels track, playgrounds, and a garden. These enhancements aim to create a safer, more accessible park for all.
Parks Tacoma Board President Andrea Smith praised the community’s involvement in shaping these upgrades, ensuring that the park meets the needs of Hilltop and Central Tacoma residents.
A Field of Dreams
Stadium High School Baseball Coach Justin Hinkle highlighted the emotional significance of the field, saying, “Having a permanent home is truly incredible. This is something the team and community will cherish for generations.”
Tacoma Public Schools Board President Korey Strozier expressed appreciation to voters for approving the 2020 capital bond, which funded the $4.5 million project. He called the field a testament to the community’s support for its schools and students.
Aaron Pointer closed the event with heartfelt words of gratitude: “This recognition means the world to me. It reflects the collective effort to make our parks a special place for the community.”
The Aaron Pointer Field not only represents a monumental achievement for Stadium High School but also signifies a unifying force for Tacoma’s community. As Tacoma continues to invest in parks and sports facilities, this project exemplifies how infrastructure can inspire pride, opportunity, and connection.
About the Peck Athletic Complex revitalization on the Parks Tacoma website.