Softball Complex at Valley Regional Park Bears Larry H. Miller’s Name
Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation, and the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation (Miller Family Foundation) hosted a celebration at the newly renovated Larry H. Miller Softball Complex at Gary C. Swensen Valley Regional Park on August 4 with several cast members of the classic movie “The Sandlot” in attendance. Over 300 attendees enjoyed a ribbon-cutting ceremony and event.
The Miller Family Foundation donated $5 million for renovations at the Valley Regional Park (Taylorsville) softball complex and Big Cottonwood Regional Park (Millcreek) softball complex; the latter was completed in May 2022. Renovations at both complexes include up-to-date facilities and amenities.
“Both softball complexes host numerous tournaments and community league play. The renovations allow current and future generations the chance to enjoy the sport that Larry H. Miller loved. We are grateful for the community partnership that made these renovations possible, and we are prepared to continue supporting the growth and popularity of softball in Utah,” said Martin Jensen, Director of Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation.
Softball is important to the Miller family. Larry H. Miller loved softball since he was a child and played competitive fastpitch softball well into his adult life. In 1985, Larry was inducted into the Utah Softball Hall of Fame.
Salt Lake County Deputy Mayor Erin Litvak spoke to the softball complexes’ community benefits: “The Miller Family Foundation continues to build on the Larry H. Miller softball legacy by generously supporting these community-centric resources. The softball complexes are loved and used by many in the community. We’re so excited to reopen this space and get people back on the fields.”
As part of the 30-year anniversary of the Utah-filmed classic, “The Sandlot,” several cast members attended the first-pitch ceremony.
Chauncey Leopardi, better known as “Squints” in “The Sandlot,” threw out the commemorative first pitch to Miller family member Ty Wardle. Attendees enjoyed complimentary All-star hot dogs (Larry’s favorite) during a local girls fast-pitch game. Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation Sports Office staff and local university coaches and players hosted a youth clinic.
“We believe in the power of sports to enrich and unify communities.” Said Steve Miller, chair of the Larry H. Miller Company and trustee of the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation. “Larry loved the game of softball, and our family grew up around the ballpark. We are honored to support the recent renovations of the softball complexes at Valley Regional Park and Big Cottonwood Regional Park. We are certain they will provide best-in-class facilities for youth and adults to enjoy.”
For a list of upcoming league registrations at the Larry H. Miller Softball Complexes at Big Cottonwood Regional Park and Valley Regional Park, please visit slco.org/sports-office.
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About the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation
The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation was established in 2007 to continue the philanthropic spirit exemplified by Larry and Gail Miller for future generations. The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation supports programs that enrich lives and communities in the areas of health and medicine, shelter and food security, education and skill development, jobs and economic self-reliance, and cultural and spiritual enrichment.
About Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation
Established in 1946, Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation is committed to “Improving Lives Through People, Parks, and Play.” Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation operates and maintains parks, trails and open space, golf courses, recreation centers, swimming pools, ice centers, and Wheeler Historic Farm. Visit slco.org/parks-recreation for more information.
