Children want and need to play.  It’s how they develop and learn and experience life. Playing sports is just one avenue towards building values like determination, confidence, and friendships.  My husband is already talking about how he can’t wait to play baseball and soccer with my son.  It’s not hard to believe that many of the fields in our country are not actively kept up.  Upkeep requires funding to renovate or rebuild those fields that are not up to par.  Whether your children participate in team sports and meet after school for a quick game, or you simply head over on the weekends to spend time with family and catch up with friends, the playing field is a traditional American gathering place (I remember going to support our church baseball team every Sunday when I was in college).  

Many fields are left unkept for months or even years.  If we want to improve our communities, we need to get involved.  If you watched the Super Bowl today, then you probably saw the “Plant a Seed” commercial.  This call-to-action for a national field renovation program was initiated by the Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes Earn Your Stripes program.  The commercial focuses on our individual role in building stronger communities and making a difference in our children’s lives.  The Earn Your Stripes inspires children to be their very best and before anyone can earn a single stripe, someone has to plant a seed to give them places to realize their promise and potential. 

Fifty fields across America will receive an “extreme makeover” which will serve as a place for families to gather.  The goal is to make fields a central and vibrant place of activity and community.  If you would like to nominate your local field, you may do so here.