ARD to consider renaming Recreation Field after Auburn Little League coach

The Auburn Area Recreation and Park District (ARD) will consider renaming Recreation Field after longtime Auburn Little League and youth baseball coach and supporter Carl Swain. Recreation Field, located at Recreation Park (123 Recreation Drive in Auburn), is the smallest of the three baseball diamonds at Recreation Park and serves as the main ballfield for Little League players age 11 and younger. Carl Swain has been an instrumental part of the development of these very young players for over 50 years. Carl's continued volunteer dedication and service has made a big difference in the lives of thousands of area players. Auburn resident Kent Jackson stated, "Carl has been the ironman of Auburn Little league, coaching for a truly extraordinary 50 years. I coached with Carl for several years and had the opportunity to observe how he interacted with kids and their families, how he understood and taught baseball skills, and how he demonstrated by example what good sportsmanship really means. Carl is always positive, and teaches baseball (and coaching) skills with grace and good humor. He truly has been an exemplary role model for five decades of Auburn youth." ARD policy states the criteria for naming a facility after an individual requires an individual must have made a significant contribution to the facility by contributing substantially and improving the quality of life in the Auburn Area Recreation and Park District. The ARD Policy Committee will consider the field renaming on Wednesday, March 18. The meeting will take place at 12:30 p.m. in the Board Room at the Canyon View Community Center, 471 Maidu Drive in Auburn. After review, the committee may recommend the item be forwarded to the ARD Board of Directors for review and possible approval. The next ARD Board of Directors meeting is Thursday, March 26, at 6 p.m. at the Canyon View Community Center. ARD is a special district formed in 1948 that provides parks and recreation services for 45,000 residents in the District that covers Auburn, north Auburn, Christian Valley and Meadow Vista. For more information on ARD, visit their website at auburnrec.com.