Negaunee Little League is partnering with the city of Negaunee to help raise funds for improving LaCombe softball field. Donations will go toward building dugouts accessible to all and ADA-compliant. (Photo courtesy of Mel Kostamo)

By DREYMA BERONJA

Journal Staff Writer

NEGAUNEE — Improvements that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act are planned for LaCombe Field in Negaunee.

The Negaunee Little League is partnering with the city of Negaunee for a dugout project at the popular softball field.

The city announced the LaCombe Softball Field Improvements Project on Facebook.

Organizers hope to raise $50,000 by May 1 to build ADA-compliant dugouts.

All donations are matched through the Patronicity crowd-funding platform. For example, a donation of $20 turns into $40.

As of press time on Friday, 16 people had donated $2,150 to the campaign, which started Wednesday.

Certain donation amounts involve sponsorships, which include sticker sponsors, T-shirt sponsors, bronze bat sponsors and dugout sponsors.

Those who donate a certain amount or more can receive various items based on their donation.

LaCombe softball field is named after World War I veteran Oral J. ‘Moose’ LaCombe.

LaCombe was a devoted sports and recreation enthusiast and helped kick off both softball and cribbage in the area in 1927.

According to the Negaunee Little League Facebook page, LaCombe’s greatest accomplishment was forming the American Legion softball team and then laying out a ball field, which was called the Legion Diamond.

The field was dedicated to LaCombe in 1954, before it was renamed LaCombe Field in his honor.

For more information or to donate, visit patronicity.com/project/lacombe_softball_field_improvements.

Questions about the project should be directed to Mel Kostamo at 906-360-2465.

Dreyma Beronja can be reached at 906-228-2500 ext. 248. Their email address is dberonj@miningjournal.net.