Baseball is back in Murray River

Photo credits: Rural Municipality of Murray River

Funding provided through the Community stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund

Baseball players of all ages are back playing on a field that had been abandoned for years in Murray River, Prince Edward Island. The newly refurbished Pete Milburn Memorial Field has brought back community gatherings reminiscent of its heydays in the early sixties when it was first built. Its revival is a welcome contrast to the diminished activities of these last few years, when the baseball field had fallen into disrepair.

The transformation of the field has been extensive. Brand new bleachers and dugouts have replaced the old ones that became too rotten to use. Trees and shrubs that were taking over the now improved outfield fencing have been removed. The Pete Milburn Memorial Field now hosts games with visiting teams, which has resulted in increased traffic, and more people eating out and visiting local attractions.

A space to participate in outdoor sports

The community response to the rehabilitated field has been overwhelmingly positive. “So great to have ball in the village again!” said one Murray River resident during the first game on the new field in early July. “I’m going to come to every single game! I love baseball and it gets me out and about!” said another baseball enthusiast. These voices reflect how deeply this field connects with the heart of Murray River’s identity, a small village where recreation and togetherness go hand-in-hand.

Since reopening, the Pete Milburn Memorial Field has once again become a popular attraction, hosting games from different leagues, including Baseball PEI and the Three Rivers Ball Association. It was also the stage of a fun and well-attended game during the Fisheries Festival between the Murray Harbour and Murray River fire departments.

Before this revitalization, there were no competition quality baseball fields in Murray River. Now, the community has a space for league games and a safe field for kids to play a good old informal pick-up game. Members of the community also use the renovated surface to play catch, and practise other sports such as disc golf. By bringing people back to the diamond, the project restored the field and reawakened Murray River’s shared spirit.

Quick facts

• The Build Communities Strong Fund will provide $51 billion over 10 years, starting in 2026-27, to support public infrastructure projects of local and regional significance.
• The Community stream (formerly the Canada Community-Building Fund) of the Build Communities Strong Fund will provide $27.8 billion over 10 years, starting in 2026-27, and $3 billion per year ongoing, as planned, to support local infrastructure priorities.
• Communities across the country can use the funding to make strategic investments across 19 project categories, including local roads, bridges, public transit, water systems, and community centres.

For more information

• Build Communities Strong Fund
• Community stream in Prince Edward Island