We are trying to work with Town of Caledon to have the “Old” ball diamond renamed to Karen Hamilton Memorial Ball Diamond.  Currently the town has declined this request stating that it is no longer their policy but would have a memorial plaque along the Caledon Trailway.  This wouldn’t be a benefit as Karen didn’t have any connection to the Trailway.  The “New” diamond was named for Hartley Davis who was also a large influence on Caledon East softball.  We have submitted nomination for Caledon Sports Hall of Fame but feel this dedication would be more suitable to her years of dedication to CESA.

Karen passed away on August 21, 2022 after a long hard battle with Alzheimers.  Karen was a lifetime resident of Caledon East and was a huge influence in keeping Caledon East softball going both for children and adults.  Over the years she was a member of the executive along with Hartley and others ensuring there was a place for residents to gather and play ball.  She joined the women’s team when she was in her forties, never having played ball before.  She coached pee wee and bantam teams.  This also included organizing umpires, diamond time scheduling and making sure there were uniforms for the teams.  When there were no umpires available she would step in and take over those duties.  The end of the season would see her organize all the logistics for a banquet, gathering volunteers, planning food, entertainment, and ticket sales.  There is a trophy within the town archives that was donated from Ron and Karen.  When there was no league for bantam girls, she gathered a rep team and coached the teenagers to play in a town league to ensure they had an outlet and keep them out of trouble.  She would provide transportation to those who couldn’t get themselves to the other towns to play.  When this league folded she then started a ladies league because there were so many women who wanted to continue playing.  She later started a mixed 3 Pitch league playing Sunday mornings.  This was a great opportunity for families to come out to play ball together.  This expanded to starting a tournament team called “Hamilton Hooligans” who travelled to other town tournaments in both summer and winter.  She even organized some winter tournaments.  All this was done to bring families and town residents together.

When the original community centre was still standing where the cenotaph now stands, there was a snack bar in the back of the building.  While on the executive, she would run the snack bar, keeping it stocked and organizing volunteers to work it and sell drinks and snacks.  This community centre was home to the North Peel Lions Club and Lionesses which both Ron and Karen were members of, not to mention both being part of volunteer fire dept and Fire-ettes who would provide coffee and snacks for the Fire fighters when on long fire calls.

Please sign this petition to present to Town of Caledon to have this change made.