MAPLETON – Meg and Von Pojerevacichi are baseball coaches and of young players.
The Pojerevacichis, along with many other Mapleton families, struggled this year managing soaked equipment and paperwork during games at the Drayton baseball diamonds.
But the Pojerevacichis have an edge and a solution.
As the owners of Mount Forest-based VM Construction, they’ve offered to donate materials and labour needed to build dugout shelters at the diamonds.
There’s a couple catches: they want to small banner hung with their business logo, and a plaque acknowledging anyone who contributes to the shelters.
The Pojerevacichis have suggested the township could help with engineered drawings and apply for grants.
But the family is willing to take on the project entirely if needed, Mapleton council heard during an Aug. 12 delegation from Von.
The Pojerevacichis also suggested updating the fencing layout at the diamonds, with a partially open design on one end.
“Drayton’s diamonds only allow dugout access from inside the field, which leads to children hopping fences mid game or struggling with heavy latches,” Meg stated in a written letter to council, adding that both were “unsafe scenarios.”
“We already collaborate with a trusted fencing company who can help integrate new, taller steel posts with the existing fencing,” her letter continued.
“From there, Von and I can easily build durable timber-and-steel covers.”
The Pojerevacichis intend to ask suppliers to donate materials.
“[Improvements] would make a huge difference for coaches, players, families and the greater community,” Von told council.
“This isn’t just about baseball, it’s about making the facility safer, more functional and more enjoyable for the whole community for years to come,” he said.
Depending on the help the family gets, Von said the project could be finished before the next season. Going at it alone would take longer.
Mayor Gregg Davidson expressed appreciation for the Pojerevacichis’ offer.
“Once upon a time I played baseball and having just one in and out is not good so I see where you’re coming from with that,” he said in support of the dugouts.
Councillors Marlene Ottens and Mike Martin lauded the proposal.
“That’s kind of how small towns work, right? We all work together,” Ottens said.
“Local softball seems to be making a bit of a grassroots comeback,” Martin commented.
CAO Manny Baron said staff will explore options.
