Baseball games aren’t the only activities that bring people to David Allen Memorial Ballpark in downtown Enid.
It’s been the site for birthday parties, wedding receptions, homecomings, reunions, movies, music, fireworks and funerals. Movies have been shown on the ballpark’s 35-foot-wide LED videoboard, which at the time it was built was the biggest of its kind in either Oklahoma or Texas. For several years the ballpark was host of the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce’s Candy Cane Cash giveaway.
Director Bill Mayberry sees the ballpark as a community partner. It has sponsored events for Vance Air Force Base and has coordinated events with the Stride Bank Center across the street. Elementary schools have come to the ballpark for field trips during tournaments. Corporations have sponsored nights for their employees. Veterans, current military personnel and first responders are admitted free to ballgames.
“We just enjoy sharing it,’’ Mayberry said.
When Enid entrepreneurs/philanthropists Paul and Joan Allen donated funds for construction of the ballpark as a memorial to their son, they wanted to benefit both youth and the city at large.
“We’re so fortunate to be a part of something that Paul and Joan shared as a way to invest in our community,’’ Mayberry said.
Groups that have used the ballpark include:
• United Way of Enid and Northwest Oklahoma, community drive kickoff event
• 4RKids, Carnival of Caring, 4RKids buddy walk
• Enid Baseball Camp, teaching baseball skills to youth
• Enid Rotary Club, Field of Honor American flag display
• City of Enid, mayor’s recognition of Connie Mack championship team
• Enid Symphony Orchestra, concert and fireworks
• Parade of Chrome motorcycle rally during the NJCAA World Series
• Enid Ambucs, presentations of Amtrykes to disabled youths and adults
• Leadership Oklahoma, tour and activity night
• Enid Police Dept. and Enid Fire Dept., Guns vs. Hoses benefit softball game
• Vance Air Force Base, community nights for pilot training classes
• Enid American Legion, alumni baseball games
Paul and Joan Allen were also the driving force behind another ballpark attraction, a gigantic American flag unfurled over the infield for special events.
Mayberry said the biggest ballpark crowd might have been the community Pride in America rally after 9/11 in 2001. “That’s the most people we ever have had in here,’’ Mayberry said, “because people were all over the field and all over the stands.’’
