In the process of designing the sport complex back in 1983 everyone considering developing four fields. I thought we could do something different and after looking at a complex in Kansas where they had developed a five field complex in a different fashion that currently exists with the Wallace Marine Sports Complex. I indicated to the director that we could develop five fields. The time frame was short and we had to start developing construction drawings for the four fields. One night I had a dream and a light switch went off about 4:00AM when I woke up. I had an office in my home with a drafting table. From 4:00 AM to 8:00 AM I designed the facility that currently exists and presented it to the administration staff the next morning. Everyone in the room agreed that this might work and we proceeded to develop construction drawings for the five fields.
As a part of the sports complex I needed to design a road to the facility. I wanted a sense of arrival. As you drive down Glen Creek Road you enter Wallace Marine Park. As you look to the left you will see the sports complex in the distance. The road turns to the left, you loose site of the complex, and as the road continues over a hill and you see the sports complex in it grandeur.
Wallace Marine Sports Complex is in a pristine natural setting along the Willamette River. You don’t even know that you are next to a city. The Sports Complex opened in June of 1986, is now 23 years old, and has stood its time in serving the community of Salem and softball teams from all over the United States.
HISTORICAL NOTE TO GO ALONG WITH THE FIRST HOME RUN BY JIM DICKERSON: The first home run by a female player at Wallace Marine Park was on July 15, 1995 by Kathy Riley of Cannon Illusions playing out of Texas in the Women’s Northwest Open. Kathy was the tournament MVP as one of her many accomplishments before her induction into the USSSA Hall of Fame in 1999.
About USSSA:
The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA), headquartered in Osceola County, Florida, USSSA is the World's Largest Multi-sport Athletic Organization. Founded in 1968, USSSA has grown to over 3.7 million participants, competing in 13 nationally sanctioned sports including Baseball, Fastpitch, Slow Pitch, Karate, Basketball, Soccer and more! For more information on USSSA and to register your team visit USSSA.com. Also be sure to visit USSSAToday.com for the latest USSSA News!
