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Hundreds of volunteers upgrading Evanston baseball fields, recreation center on Thursday

Evanston getting a community makeover Thursday
Posted at 6:54 AM, Jul 20, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-20 18:37:35-04

CINCINNATI -- More than 500 volunteers are descending upon Evanston Thursday to renovate the Hoffman baseball complex, create a "naturescape" at the Evanston Recreation Center and upgrade the old Hoffman School building.

It's all part of the 2017 Community Makeover, sponsored by Procter and Gamble, the Cincinnati Reds, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and Kroger.

Evanston's Community Makeover will upgrade the existing baseball field and park amenities at the Hoffman Baseball Complex. It will also create a nature-inspired community playground that includes an interactive building and play area, water feature and 75-foot zip line along with walking trails and log paths. Additionally, volunteers will upgrade the Hoffman School's kitchen, cafeteria and gym as well as meeting and community spaces.

RELATED: Cincinnati Reds Community Makeover cleans up Lower Price Hill

The investments in the Evanston project will provide significant and sustainable impact, including reducing operating costs and energy usage and investing in the long-term development of the community and its residents.

The goal of the annual project is to make a transformative and sustainable impact on an urban neighborhood and its residents while improving the local youth baseball and softball programs.

The project will include support from hundreds of corporate and community volunteers, but there is a need for donations and in-kind contributions. To donate, please contact the Reds Community Fund at CommunityMakeover@reds.com or 513-765-7231.

Other project partners include Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Interact For Health, Cincinnati ToolBank, Cincinnati Recreation Commission and ReSource.

P&G and the Reds Community Fund have partnered for the Community Makeover since 2010 and the Cincinnati Zoo joined the partnership in 2013 bringing a wealth of experience in horticulture, sustainable design and maintenance to the projects.

Kroger has increased its participation in 2017 to become a title partner for the Evanston makeover.

Past Community Makeover projects include:

2016: Lower Price Hill - Evans Field and Playground, Community Gardens and Joe Williams Family Center
2015: West End - Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses, Sands School playground and Dyer ballfields
2014: South Cumminsville - Wayne ballfields and Millvale Recreation Center
2013: Avondale - Gabriel's Place, Hirsch Recreation Center and Hirsch ballfields
2012: Cheviot - Memorial Fields, historic grandstand and Cheviot Memorial Fieldhouse
2011: North College Hill - High school field and community center plus youth field in Winton Place
2010: Winton Place - Brandon Phillips Field and P&G Field