MILL CREEK — It was a beautiful day for a ballgame.

The sun peeked through the clouds periodically to shine on the newly-laid bright green artificial turf, the red dirt of the pitcher’s mound, the royal blue Dodgers uniforms and the medium green A’s uniforms. Red, white and blue balloons decorated the park.

Cups of hot cocoa and coffee warmed the hands of parent and child alike, and Krispy Kreme donuts were a popular choice at the new concession stand.

More than 100 people gathered to celebrate the opening of Mill Creek’s new sports park Saturday and to see the Mill Creek A’s take on the Mill Creek Dodgers in the first Little League baseball game of the season.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was officiated by Mayor Terry Ryan, his 9-year-old daughter Lindsey, the current City Council and the past and current presidents of Little League.

But the excitement could barely be contained in the players themselves, who, for the first time, heard their names announced over the loudspeaker by none-other than Tom Hutyler, the "voice of Safeco Field."

"I’m happy they built this sports park, because now we have a place to play," said Drew Hatland, 10, a Dodgers left fielder.

In the past, Mill Creek Little League baseball games have been played on fields at nearby elementary schools, where the rainy weather can make conditions difficult.

"The turf is better than playing on dirt — dirt gets in your eyes and is dusty and muddy," Hatfield said.

"It feels so cool to play here — I want to be a major leaguer, and this tells me what it feels like," he said.

Hatland’s mom, Teresa Hatland, said "I’m thrilled it’s finally open — it’s been the highlight of my son’s life to see this open.

"And with the Astro Turf, his uniform will stay cleaner," she added with a laugh.

The field is strictly for kids — it’s too small for adult games. And in the fall, it easily converts to a soccer field for Silver Lake Soccer.

It cost the city of Mill Creek $4.5 million to build the park, which features an artificial turf baseball field, a soccer field, a 10,000-square-foot skate park and parking for 33 vehicles.

There’s also a press box, a concession stand, restrooms, bleachers, decorative fencing and a Little Leaguers "Walk of Fame" where memorial paving stones have been laid.

Nine-year-old Josh Lang, a pitcher for the A’s, summed up what he likes best about the new sports park: "It’s cool and it’s got lights!"

Reporter Pamela Brice:

425-339-3439 or

brice@heraldnet.com.